Rico A. Cone

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:6-7

Rico Anton Cone was born into this life September 9, 1969, in Fordyce, Arkansas to the union of Earnest Cone, Jr., and Beatrice Momon Cone.

He professed his life to Christ at an early age and was a member of Enon Baptist Church in Fordyce, Arkansas. Rico grew up to be a tall and talented young man who dominated the basketball court. He was a fun-loving and humble young man who graduate from Fordyce High School in 1987 where he advanced in basketball and being a ladies’ man.

He enlisted in the United States Army, February 27, 1992, and served until January 10, 1996. During his time in the Army, he earned the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal Bronze Star-2, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Kuwait Liberation Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon. Rico was smart and expanded his military education to include Heavy Antiarmor Weapons Crewman, Infantryman and PLDC (RC). He specialized in Heavy Antiarmor Weapons Crewman which provides tactical and technical guidance and professional support to subordinates and makes recommendations to superiors in the accomplishment of their duties; serves as principal noncommissioned officer in an infantry battalion or higher to supervise the processing of operations and intelligence information in an infantry brigade or higher-level unit. Above all, his time in the Army taught him self-respect, respect for others and discipline.

Some knew him as “Suave” because of his smooth and laid-back style. Rico married Elisha Henry, an aspiring nurse, on July 27, 2013, and together they made life happen. Their blended family included three daughters and two sons. Rico was a family man who enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He always made time to hang with the fellas whether it was at the deer camp or in his man cave watching his favorite football team the Dallas Cowboys. Rico was true Cowboys fan inasmuch he converted his garage into a Cowboy fans haven; with painted walls, rugs, wall mounted Dallas Cowboys jerseys, helmets, a big screen tv and even a pool table.

Rico worked for 25 years in shipping/receiving at Firestone where he made a lot of friends and acquaintances. He was a hard worker, the head of his household and the provider for his family. In his pare time he loved to garden, raising some of the largest cabbage in Gurdon; he was true outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing as well. 

Rico was affectionately known for his charismatic smile and pleasant personality with a jokester spirit. He was a genuine soul who did not ever meet a stranger. He passed unexpectedly doing one of the things he loved most, which was hunting. He was preceded in death by his father, Earnest Cone, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife Elisha Henry Cone of Gurdon, AR; ; his mother, Beatrice Johnson of Fordyce, AR; his children, Ricketta Cone of Preston, GA, Morico (Daisy) Cone of Kileen, TX, Rondarious Cone of Prescott, AR, Kea’Myra Sanders and Alexis Sanders both of Gurdon, AR; three grandchildren, Morico Cone, II, Mazi Cone and Ariah Wilson; his father and mother-in-law, Dorsey and Myra Henry of Gurdon, AR; his sister, Sharon Cone of Magnolia, AR; his brother, Stevie Cone of Fordyce, AR; and his brother-in-law, Brandon Henry of Gurdon, AR; an uncle Mack Henry Cone and an aunt, Lizette Ross; and Andraeous “Big A” Ary whom he loved liked a brother. His niece and nephews, Kersey Hayes, Thiry Hayes, Kelani Hodge-Bey, Stevie Reamie Ragan, Braydon Henry and Peyton Henry. He also leaves a host of cousins, special friends, Kent “9” Smith, Dean “Dino” Morris, Mark Bulliner, Derrick “Duke” Smith, Randy “Loc” Bell, Michael “Yabbie” Abercombie, Darren “Silk” Brown and Earnest “E40” Birgance, numerous other friends, the Big Buck Down Hunting Club, and the Po’ Boyz Hunting Club Families.

The pallbearers will be Morico Cone, Rondarious Cone, Dean Morris, Randy Bell, Kent Smith, Earnest Birgance, Rob Green and Lavon Laster. Honorable to mention are the Big Buck Down Hunting Club, the Po’ Boyz Hunting Club, Fordyce High School Class of 1987 and the friends of Firestone.