Jerry Merrill Cole was born in Harrison, Arkansas on July 12, 1932. His father was Merrill Cole, who gave his life in World War II fighting for our freedom. His mother, Helen Cole Littleton, passed away in 1994. Brother, Bill Cole, was a member of the special forces and passed away in 2003. Sister, Bette Ellis, of Lonoke, Arkansas passed away 2001. Sister, Carolyn Hardie, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away 2014. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, and his sister, Annette Watson from Little Rock, Arkansas. He had 7 children: Suzie Cole, Jeannie Cole (deceased), Cathy Benefiel (Rick), Tom Cole (Suzanne), Mark Cole, Keith Cole (Tracy), and Jerry Cole (Katie). He also had 16 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson.
Jerry graduated from Conway High School in Conway, Arkansas in 1950. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Arkansas State Teachers College in 1953. Jerry enlisted in the Navy and served for 8 years as a musician.
Jerry was the token integration of all black elementary schools in Virginia Beach as the first white teacher at Seaboard, Seatack and Betty Williams Elementary Schools in 1965. He was the band director at Kempsville High School in Virginia Beach from 1966-1977 during which time the band was selected 2 years as Honor Band at Disneyworld and represented the Virginia Lion’s clubs in Las Vegas for the international Lion’s club convention. The highlight of his band director career came in 1977 when the symphonic band entered Grade 6 music category scoring all A’s in all categories and superior ratings from all three judges. With desire for change, Jerry resigned from Kempsville and taught 6th grade beginner’s band in various Virginia Beach elementary schools before retiring in 1994.
After retirement, Jerry became an avid fisherman and spent most of his time aboard the Rudee Tours fishing boats. Jerry was an avid golfer having won several golf trophies in tournaments in the Virginia Beach area. He was a long-time member of the Marauders at Kempsville Greens Golf Course.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 10am at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home.
