Jerry Lee Cole

Jerry Lee Cole, 78, died peacefully on Friday, February 5, 2016 surrounded by his family. Born on December 5, 1937, he spent his youth in Newport News, VA and attended Warwick High School. He went on to earn a BS in Psychology from Randolph Macon College in 1960 and was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. After graduation, he pursued a job in sales, which led him to the plumbing and heating industry, where he spent the majority of his career.

He is survived by Elizabeth his loving wife of 51 years of Wilmington; his daughter Laura Cole Bowen and her husband Michael of Wilmington; and his daughter Rebecca Cole Bucci and her children Kaitlin and Matthew of Glen Allen, VA. Additionally, he is survived by his brother John Cole and his wife Connie of Lanexa, VA; his nephew Charlie Cole and his wife Melissa, of Lanexa, VA; and many close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Margaret Cole.

Jerry was a man of innumerable talents, and there wasn’t a home improvement project he was afraid to tackle. He loved to help his friends, neighbors, and family with any job, large or small. He enjoyed being outdoors and found a great deal of pleasure in maintaining his house and yard. He also loved the water and was happiest on a boat surrounded by family and friends or fishing with a buddy from the shore. A devoted father and grandfather, he took a quiet pride in the accomplishments of his girls, and his grandchildren were one of the great joys of his life. He also shared his life with many beloved dogs and was a supporter of local pet rescue organizations. Jerry was a man of great integrity, strength, and compassion, and he will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Jerry will be held on Saturday, February 13 at 11:00 a.m. at Pine Valley United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at a reception in the church fellowship hall following the ceremony. Memorial donations may be made in Jerry’s name to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 or Paws Place, 3701 E Boiling Spring Road, Winnabow, NC 28479.