Charlie Cole
RINGGOLD — Charles “Charlie” R. Cole, 87, passed away peacefully on Feb. 20, 2019, in a local hospital. Charlie was born March 10, 1931, to the late George H. and Lena Cole.
He was a long time member of Ringgold First Baptist Church and the Lewis Taylor Sunday School Class. He was retired from US Pipe after 35 years of service in purchasing. He was co-owner with Wayne Lamb of the Battlefield Sporting Goods, Rossville, for several years. He was instrumental in the success of the Post Recreation Assoc., where he served as president for several years. While president he, with the help of Jean Davis, organized the first girls’ softball program in Fort Oglethorpe. He coached Dixie Youth and Dixie Boys while his two sons played in those leagues. He would spend his entire vacations preparing the fields for district and state tournaments. The mayor of Fort Oglethorpe bestowed the honor of “Citizen for a Day” recognizing his devotion to the baseball programs. When his sons were in high school, he continued following them in baseball. He never missed practices or a game when his Grandson, Colin played baseball at McCallie. He was very proud of his grandsons’ achievements in life. He was active in the PTA in his son’s school and was president of the organization. He was a member of the Lions Club where he held several offices, and was involved in many civic and philanthropic organizations over the years. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955.
Charlie had a dry wit and was a practical joker and was loved by everyone who ever met him. His greatest accomplishment was his love and devotion to God and family.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Martha; sons, Michael (Terri) Cole, Ringgold, Ga. Mark (Sally) Cole, of Signal Mountain, Tenn.; grandsons, Josh (Laura) Cole, Colin (Tiffany) Cole; step-grandchildren Chris Hendricks, Will Guerin, Molly Penman (Nate); Great-grandchildren, Emma Cole, Abigail Cole, Eliza Jane Cole, Rowan Penman, Hayden, Bodhi and Zoe Hendricks; and several nieces and nephews.
Services to be held 2 p.m. Sunday at Ringgold First Baptist officiated by Pastor Eric Kennedy and Dr. Bruce Sloan.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ringgold First Baptist Building Fund.
Visit www.heritagebattlefield.com to view the memorial tribute and share words of comfort with the family. Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery
The family will receive friends 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.