John Randolph "Dolph" Cone III, 88, died at home on May 29, 2024.  He was born in White Springs FL and grew up all over north Florida and south Georgia before landing in Tampa for high school.  He was a veteran, having enlisted in the Coast Guard reserves the month he turned 17.

Dad met Mom in Gainesville FL where he discovered his life-long loves for her, pharmacy and the Gators.

Dad worked over 60 years as a registered pharmacist, stepping aside only when he could no longer clearly verify the teeny tiny numbers on drug bottles.

Dad agreed to lead the trustees at Seminole United Methodist Church in late 2019.  And then COVID changed everything.  His children were amazed (and admittedly not always pleased) at how more time, energy and thoughtfulness he gave to his first "retirement job".  More recently, he bragged about his "new job" as a pharmacist at the St Pete Free Clinic.

He was predeceased by wife Patricia Andrew Cone; son Randolph Andrew Cone; parents John Randolph and Ruth Cone; brother Daniel and sister Ruth Jaquelyn.

After we lost Mom, a friend of hers introduced Dad to Carolyn Shoup, who became his friend, traveling companion and soul mate.  Carolyn also predeceased Dad.  To say he was lucky in love would be an understatement.

Surviving family members include children Lori (Jim Speckman) and Rob (Megan); sister Jean Lucas; grandchildren Grant Speckman and Ella Cone.

A celebration of Dad's life will be held Saturday June 8 at 4 pm at Seminole United Methodist Church, 5400 Seminole Blvd., Seminole FL.  Please dress casually (Gator shirts especially appreciated) and bring a story to share.

No flowers please.  Dad most enjoyed stories and small acts of kindness and generosity; get together with a friend to remember and share a laugh.

Or contribute to the Randolph Andrew Memorial Scholarship at University of FL College of Pharmacy, UF Fund 13505

(https://www.uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/013505-randolph-andrew-cone-memorial-scholarship-fund/)