ROGER BONE

ROCKY MOUNT – Roger Bone, 69, President of Bone International, Inc. and Bone and Associates, who became one of North Carolina’s most respected legislative lobbyists during a career in public service that spanned more than thirty years, died January 25, 2009 after a courageous 8 month battle with cancer.

In 2008, Roger was recognized as the most influential lobbyist in North Carolina by the NC Center for Public Policy, an independent, nonpartisan organization. For 14 consecutive years, he had been ranked as one of the top three lobbyists in terms of effectiveness. In 2008, he received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest award for public service, from then Governor Mike Easley.

Roger began his work with the North Carolina General Assembly in 1979-1981 as member to the House of Representatives, where he represented Nash, Edgecombe and Wilson counties. He later served as legislative assistant to the Speaker of the House, Liston Ramsey and as government affairs assistant with the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges.

Roger loved the General Assembly and received tremendous joy in his relationships with Members, staff and his lobbying peers. He was always as considerate and kind to the staff as the Members and considered many of them his cherished friends.

Roger opened his own government relations firm in 1987 in Raleigh. Over the years, he represented many industries, including propane, pork producers, community colleges, used automobiles, tobacco, adult-care homes, volunteer firemen, rescue & EMS and pharmaceuticals.

Born in Nash County, he graduated from N.C. State University in Crop Science in 1961. For seven years he worked the Flue-Cured Tobacco Stabilization Corporation as an administrative assistant.

In 1968, Roger became President of an International Harvester tractor and farm-machinery dealership in Rocky Mount. For more than 11 years, he expanded and operated the business which won several dealership awards. He also began a used automobile sales company, Bone International, still in operation.

Roger has made many contributions to his community and state, including serving as local Jaycee President and President of Rotary. He received the Distinguished Service Award given by the Rocky Mount Jaycees.

Service on foundations and boards includes the Nash Community College Foundation Board, NC 4-H Development Fund board, NC State University Physical and Math Sciences Foundation Board, NC Environmental Management Commission and the NC College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Board.

Ever enjoying the life of political involvement, Roger was a member of the Campaign Steering Committees for Congressman L.H. Fountain, Congressman Bob Etheridge and Governor Jim Hunt.

Roger will be remembered by his family, clients, Members of the General Assembly and a host of lobbyists and friends who will remember him as a man of his word who brought an intense sense of dedication, professionalism and human kindness to his work each day.

Roger is survived by his wife of 44 years, Reba Batten Bone, of Rocky Mount; son, Frederick Bone and his wife Laura of Apex; Grandsons, Jacob and Caleb Bone of Apex; Father, R. Winslow Bone of Nashville (Sandy Cross); Brothers, Royce Bone (Faye) of Nashville (Sandy Cross) and Michael Bone (Jo-Lynn) of Elm City; and sister, Mary Mansfield of Mililani, Hawaii.

He is also survived by 10 nephews, 7 nieces, and several grand-nephews and nieces.

Roger was preceded in death by his mother, Etna-Wayne Coppedge Bone.

Visitation was held at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 North Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount from 6:30 until 8:30 on Tuesday, January 27, 2009.

The memorial service was held at Englewood United Methodist Church, 300 S. Circle Drive, Rocky Mount on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 3:00pm with the Reverend John Wenberg officiating, followed by visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to Englewood United Methodist Church, 300 S. Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or Community Hospice, 3124 Zebulon Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

The family wishes to express appreciation to Dr. Dan Crocker and the staff of Community Hospice for their compassionate care.

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