JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Dr. Cecil Cone, president of Edward Waters College from 1977 to 1988, has died at age 78.
Under Cone's leadership, EWC received its initial four-year accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and its reaffirmation five years later.
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Cone established dual degree programs with the University of Miami and Emory Riddle University, oversaw the remodeling the Centennial Building -- the oldest building on campus -- and was president during the construction of the Morris-Cone Residential Complex, which now bears his name along with that of AME Bishop Samuel Morris.
Cone always spoke proudly about Edward Waters College and often referred to EWC as the “greatest college to be found anywhere on planet Earth.”
Cone completed his undergraduate work at Philander Smith College, earned a master’s degree from Temple Bible Seminary and a Ph.D. from Emory University. He was a pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and served as dean at Turner Theological Seminary, now known as the Interdenominational Theological Center and Jackson Theological Seminary.
Cone was the author of “Identity Crises in Black Theology.”
Cone is survived by his wife, Dr. Juanita Fletcher-Cone, an internal medical doctor, and three children.
Funeral services for Cone will be held Saturday at the St. Philip African Methodist Episcopal Church in Atlanta. Cone will be buried in the Evergreen Cemetery in Jacksonville.
The family will greet friends during a viewing from 5-7 p.m. Monday at the Alphonso West Mortuary at 4409 Soutel Drive.