Alan Wolf Cone

Alan was born in Greensboro on February 13, 1926, to Herman and Louise Cone. He graduated from Greensboro High School in May, 1943 and enlisted in the Navy in the V-12 program. He was sent to UNC and graduated in October, 1945, at the age of 19 with a degree from UNC and a commission in the Navy. He was assigned to duty in the Pacific theatre. On receiving an honorary discharge from the Navy, he returned home and started his career at Cone Mills. After 14 years in various parts of the family-controlled Company, he seized the opportunity to buy controlling interest in an apparel company in Greensboro, Blue Gem Manufacturing Company. After ten years of operating successfully, the demise of the textile and apparel business in the United States began to become apparent. Four plants were sold to Blue Bell and the two remaining plants continued to operate until they too were sold in the 1990's. Blue Gem was turned into a real estate holding company. He continued to manage the company at his office on Banking Street. A caring member of the community, he was active on many community boards and foundations. He served on the Moses Cone Hospital board for many years and as its chairman from 1978 until 1982. He was a board member of L. Richardson Memorial Hospital, Triad Health Project, United Way of Greater Greensboro, Family and Children Services, Oak Ridge Military Academy, Foundation of Greater Greensboro, and Temple Emanuel. He was also on the boards of NCNB Greensboro, Gate City Savings and Loan Association, Greensboro Rotary Club, and Greensboro Country Club. Surviving are his beloved wife of forty-two years, Sally S. Cone; his four children, Elaine C. (Bunny) Bulluck (David), Alan Cone, Jr. (Suzanne), Stephen B. Cone (Caroline), and Louis (Billy) Cone; stepchildren, Sararlee Smithwick and Nance Smithwick (Roger Beebe); also seven grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Louise Cone, and his brother, Herman Cone, Jr.