Andrew William Cole

Bill was born on June 11, 1936, in Houston, Texas, to Andrew and Athalie Cole. According to his baby book, he was born with a "lovely head of hair". He would want the world to know that he kept all his beautiful, "unpolished" hair until the end.

As the oldest of six children, Bill stepped naturally into the role of leader among his siblings. His sister described him in childhood as the peacemaker, strong and deliberate, yet gentle. When he noticed something that needed to be done, he took care of it, acting with heart and fierce determination. When they were kids, he would often channel his inner Elvis to belt out his favorite song at his siblings' requests, just to make them smile.

He carried his love of performing from the living room to the stage by joining theater at Jefferson Davis High School. Bill also shined under the lights of the football field. It was during High School that he met Patricia, the love of his life. Theirs was a story of love at first sight. They married on June 7, 1956. Pat was the center of his world through every season of his life. During their nearly 70 years of marriage, they stood side by side, as they built a family rooted in love, loyalty, and laughter.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather. To his four children, he was a hardworking provider who was present with them at the dinner table every night. He was the protector, enforcer, and source of their greatest fits of laughter. They hold precious memories of many family vacations together. Bill's love extended fully to their spouses, each of whom he embraced as his own. He will be remembered by them, and all who knew him, for his passion, wit, steady presence, and the quiet ways he showed how much he cared.

To his ten "grandbabies", he was a friend and kindred spirit. Each one felt unconditionally loved and supported by him. He never missed an opportunity to make each of them, along with their spouses and children, feel special. To them, he was simply the best and funniest Pawpaw there ever was, and their lives will forever shine brighter for having felt the depth of his love.

To his fifteen "great-grandbabies", he showed the same deep interest and warmth. He is remembered by them as caring, ever-present, and a "nice, loveable Old Paw."

Bill had a successful 55-year career in sales. A true American patriot, he served in the Air Force Reserve.

He also found joy in carpentry, swimming, fishing, watching sports, his dogs, trips to Colorado, Round Top, James Coney Island, Coke floats, shoes, motorcycle rides, gardening, and much more.

Bill is survived by his wife, Pat; their children, Tess (Chris) Charbonneau, Tim (Cheryl) Cole, Tammie (Mike) Shaffer, and Tracy (Randy) Stanfield; their grandchildren, Andrea (Tony) Lipari, Ashley (Matt) Blondke, Devin (Susie) Shaffer, Jason Cole, Lauren (Roger) Wendt, Heather (Steve) Johnston, Scott (Camille) Stanfield, Victoria Shaffer, and Madelyn (Jeff) Anuwe; fifteen great-grandchildren; siblings, Andrea Cole-Cassler (Daniel), James Joseph Cole (Lavonne), Jeanette Cole-Mater, Robert Richard Cole, Ronald Sheppard (Patsy); sister-in-law, Eddie Ferguson Cole and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his treasured grandson, Corey Cole; his parents, Andrew and Athalie Cole; and his brother, Marshall Cole.

His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, and in the love that binds our family.

A visitation for Andrew will be held Tuesday, July 15, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039, followed by a Celebration of Life Service from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM.