Richard L. Cole, Sr.

Richard Leroy Cole passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2014 after a long illness. He was born June 30, 1941 at Rush Township, Ohio to the late Alma and Charles Cole. He is also preceded in death by his step-sister, Nancy Bonia.

Richard served ten years with the Navy Seabees 351 Transportation Unit and served during two tours in Vietnam and ten years with the Air Force where he taught mechanics to the troops. He moved to Virginia in 1981 and worked for the Hampton Post Office before retiring due to his health. He was a Scout Master for the Tabb Troop and he enjoyed fishing and football, and NASCAR racing.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife and best friend of 41 years, Thelma Cole; children, Richard Cole Jr. and his wife Dawn, Daniel Cole and his wife Kelly, Timothy Cole, Mark Armstrong and his wife Yolanda, Mike Armstrong and his wife Monika, Todd Armstrong, Vickie Rioux and her husband Mark, and Dawna Mulloy and her husband Tom; fourteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Shirley Roland and husband Bill, and Tina Bober and husband, Mark; and brother, Roger Cole.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:00 pm on Sunday, February 9, 2014 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, with a celebration of Richard’s life to begin at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Hampton VA Hospital and Riverside RMC for their care over the years.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association of Virginia, 5349 East Princess Anne Road, Norfolk, VA 23502.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolences with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave. in Hampton, 23666.