Wilson Lavaughn Cole Sr.

Born on February 24, 1937 in Frisco City, AL, to Bessie Dean Cole and Woodrow Wilson Cole, The family would later move to Monroeville, AL before settling in Jackson AL. where Wilson would graduate High School. In 1958, he married Margaret Rockwell in Mobile, Alabama where they would raise their four children watching the family grow in the decades that followed, of their 58 year marriage. In his professional life Wilson had a varied career starting at First National Bank then progressing to managing various finance departments. He continued his career as a salesman for a local wholesale distributor in Mobile for 20 years. His time in sales led him to opening his own business as a representative for various furniture manufacturers traveling throughout the Southeast, taking time to camp at various favorite locations along the way. In his retirement, Wilson enjoyed numerous cruises throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe. After Margaret’s passing, Wilson found love again. In 2017, he married Eleanor “Ellie” Garraway. The couple made their home in Fairhope, Alabama, where they enjoyed spending time with their families and traveling. Wilson will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Garraway, daughters Sally Jackson and Peggy Bradley, sons Wilson Cole Jr. (Leah) and David Cole (Cindy), Step-Daughter Lisa Manion (Michael), Step-Son Tim Garraway (Anne) 12 grandchildren, 9 step-grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 5 step-great grandchildren, his brother Donald Cole (Shirley), as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Cole, daughter, Diane Cole, his parents, Bessie and Woodrow Cole, sons-in-law Elwyn Jackson and Tim Bradley, and great-grandson Paxton Moyher.

Visitation will be held at Radney Funeral Home on Saturday June 21, 2025, at 10:00am, with a graveside service to follow at Valhalla Cemetery at 12:30pm.