Cover photo for William D. Cole, Sr.'s Obituary
William D. Cole, Sr. Profile Photo
1931 William 2007

William D. Cole, Sr.

November 27, 1931 — June 16, 2007

Heavens gates opened wide to let another angel enter with Jesus and our sweet daughter, Cindy, waiting with open arms. My sweet Bill ended his long courageous battle with cancer on June 16, 2007 at his home in Johnson City. He left this world in comfort and peace. He was so loved by so many and we would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you who made this journey into heaven in comfort and peace. He always kept the faith. 'Mr. Bill'? was born on November 27, 1931 in Asheville, NC to Alymer and Carlie Cole who preceded him in death. Our loving daughter entered into heaven in 1996. His father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ernest and Mattie Williams, two nieces, Jeannie Stadden and Michelle Williams, several aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents also preceded him. Survivors of our Bill are his wife of 57 years, Barbara, two sons, Darrel and his wife, Ellen and Kenney and his wife Barbara; grandson, Joshua Cole, brother, and sister-in-law, 'Lucky'? and Barbara Williams, nephews Chad and his wife, Karen, Toby Williams, Jonathan and Jimmy Cole, brother, Eugene Cole and his wife, Sherri of Portland, Oregon, one niece, Wendy Williams, Atlanta, GA, great nieces and nephews, Lyndsey Williams, Katie and Kristin Williams, Dalton Williams and godson, Briley Townsend, two aunts, Mavoreen Sexton, Fairview, NC and Ruth Lundgren, Canton, Ohio and numerous cousins. 'Coach Bill'? had a Little League (National League) for 16 years, winning City Championships 2 years in a row. In August, 2006,Trey Williams contacted several members of the team and 'Doc'? Whittamore and they met at the old Little League Field on Lonnie Lowe Lane for a short get together and Trey wrote a long story and pictures for the press. Bill was seriously ill at this time but was so happy to see all these fine young men. Thank you, Trey. Coaching baseball was a favorite memory for 'Coach Cole'?. Bill was a faithful member of Otterbein United Methodist church and a Deacon for many years at Keystone Presbyterian Church (this is where we meet in 1950). We were leaders of the Youth Group at Keystone-many precious memories there. At Otterbein he was chairman of the Trustees and saw to all the maintenance and upkeep of the church.; treasurer of the Christian Soldiers Sunday School Class; chairman and treasurer of the Mission Work, worked as a tutor for Coalition for Kids, also served as tutor for after school for Northside School at the church. He was a delegate to the Holston Conference two years at Lake Junaluska, NC and sang in the choir. He especially enjoyed the annual making of 'Chow Chow'? in the fall. Bill was a member of Sinking Creek Masonic Lodge #575. He was a 50 year member of Local #934 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and received a 50 year pin. He retired in 1992 after working in many states, the latest at Johnston Island Atoll in the South Pacific for 3 ½ years. Bill enjoyed fishing and hunting in earlier years, but baseball games were his favorite. 'Coach Bill'? and cousin Bill Bailey enjoyed the JC Cardinals games. Bill Bailey would come pick him up and sometimes he could only stay two innings during which time city commissioners, doctors and friends would always say a few words to him. Trey Williams recalled a favorite memory of visiting with Bill. These memories are precious to me to see him enjoy something special. We loved Bill Bailey a lot and he was a comfort to Bill. Bills special mission to God was visiting the sick in their homes and at nursing homes. He set aside each Saturday for this and he would shave Mr.Celton, sing to Blanche Little and would come home happy for this mission. This work was rewarding and very important to him. Our family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Johnson and his staff, especially Shelia Williams and Judy for treating him and loving him, Josh made it easier to draw his blood and this was special to Bill. A very special blessing we wish to Dr. Charles Cole and wife, Sharon, who made it easier for us with love and support for 21 years. Dr. Jose Picazza who took Bill for rides and visited him at home. The wonderful care he received on 5200 and 5500 at Johnson City Med Center many times. Also thanks to Dr. Walter Beaver (and April) for replacing both his knees and freeing him from pain. He was happy to walk pain free. To Advanta Hospice and care helpers Mary Capo and Pat Fillers, you were wonderful. Bill loved to hear our pastor Tae Hun Yoon sing, 'How Great Thou Art'? and Bill sang a little two weeks ago with Rev. Yoon. To our former pastor, Joe-d Dowlingsoka who also went through the tough battles with chemo and radiation-he gave us love and support. Our church family is very important to us-we love each of them as well as our Keystone Presbyterian friends. There is one very special man that telephoned and visited Bill very often, Mr. Sidney Smallwood. We had a very special relationship with him for many years. God Bless Him! Thanks to Jim Dik for singing for Bill and making a tape for him to listen to. Bill had hoped to be able to attend the Matriarch of the Williams family, Evelyn Williams, birthday party-but he told me to tell her that he and Cindy would be looking down on her from heaven. Funeral arrangements for our precious husband and Dad and friend will be conducted at 8 PM Monday, June 18, 2007 from the Morris-Baker Funeral Home South Chapel with burial at Monte Vista Memorial Park on Tuesday at 11 AM. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 10:30 AM and travel in procession to the cemetery. A Masonic service will precede the regular service beginning at 8 PM. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Monday at the funeral home and at other times at the residence. I have lost the most wonderful husband and best friend. Our sons and grandson have lost a special dad and all his friends have lost a loyal and loving friend; but we can rejoice that he is free from his suffering and is now peacefully resting with Cindy and Jesus. He never lost his faith in a gracious and loving God. Remember me in your thoughts and prayers. He was the love of my life. Active pallbearers will be, Bill Bailey, Jim Ayers, Jim Webster, Jerry Williams, Gary Williams, Chad Williams, Toby Williams, Trey Williams, Spencer Pickel and Carl Williams. Honorary pallbearers will be Earl Gouge 'little Jimmy Dickens'?, Denny Williams, Dr. Charles Cole, Dr. Jose Picazza, Dr. Larry Schmidt, Dr. Carlos Floresguerra, members of Christian Soldiers Sunday School Class and Otterbein Church, Keystone Presbyterian Church, former members and Coaches of National Little League and members of Local Union 934 Electrical Union. Thank and God Bless all of you family of 'the sweetest man'?- we will love him forever. Barbara, Darrel and Kenney Cole. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Otterbein United Methodist Church, 120 East Chilhowie Street, Johnson City, TN 37601.

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