Robert Ellis Cole

Robert “Bob” Ellis Cole, age 88, of Williamsburg, passed away Wednesday morning, August 27th, 2025. He was born July 28th, 1937, in War, West Virginia, the son of the late Robert Ernest and Stella Vance Cole.

Bob is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 68 years, Lillie Jerelene Cole; his three daughters: Gailey Darlynn Campbell (Steve), Bobbie Sharee Ward (Mikel), Janet Renee Davenport (Hoyt); son: Robert Ellis Cole Jr. (Carrie); and 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

After his graduation from Tazewell High School, Bob began a career in the United States Air Force that would span 20 years and would not only take him to several new States, but also to serve in both France and Germany, with the latter, being some of the best and most memorable times of his life. He loved to travel, and he was always up for an adventure. The Air Force gave him both. Bob’s biggest source of pride was the time he served in the Air Force. While we defined him with such cherished titles as husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, he defined himself as “retired military,” first and foremost.

It was the Air Force that ultimately brought him to Williamsburg, Virginia, which is where he would permanently settle and retire with his wife Jerry, and their four children. Their home would be and still is our families central gathering place, with those walls holding countless precious memories. All were welcome, all of the time. Bob never met a stranger and his philosophy was always, “the more, the merrier.”

It was a lively home, due in part to Bob’s playful nature and ornery spirit and boy did he love to aggravate, a little boy at heart and always the life of the party. It was loud, filled with love, laughter and music, but most importantly, family.

Family was everything to Bob. He was a devoted, loving, supportive, and considerate husband to Jerry, always holding her hand as they walked along, and never missing a chance to spin her around the dance floor, the living room floor, or even the kitchen floor. They were the perfect example to all of us of what a marriage should be. Jerry was and will always be the love of his life.

Bob embraced fatherhood with devotion and purpose. He could be strict at times, but his love was always steady and unmistakable. His children were the center of his world, and he poured himself into raising them with a hands-on approach. He laced up skates beside them, taught them to water ski and ride motorcycles, shoot guns, split wood for the fire, and wax anything that needed shining. In all of this, he instilled independence, discipline, and strength, values that shaped his children as they grew and that they now carry forward as parents themselves.

As a grandfather, he was the kind of man children dream of—playful, mischievous, fun-loving, and full of life. He dove into this role with everything he had, playing games, making jokes, and chasing us around the living room. He taught us not to take life too seriously, to always make room for joy, and to sometimes create our own.

He showed us all the deeper lessons: patience, adventure, discipline, and strength. From his military service came the values of respect, responsibility, and perseverance, which he carried with him every day. He was our steady presence, always there when we needed him, without hesitation.

Music was an intrinsic part of Bob’s life, from Country Western, to Golden Oldies, Classic Church Hymns, Big Band and more. He found great joy in sharing his love, knowledge, and appreciation of music with his family and friends. He’d pop on one of his reel-to-reel recordings or vinyl's, turn the volume up, and we would watch him come alive.

Bob lived a very active life and spent much of his time outdoors running, boating on the river, golfing in Florida, cruising down Forge Road in his red convertible, waxing and then re-waxing his cars, boats, and anything else that could use a little extra shine. He was an avid gun collector, loved roller skating, and his meticulously combed hair.

Bob was the beloved patriarch of our family, steadfast in his love for us all. Though he is gone, his love will remain and shine brightly through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his two sisters, Patricia and LeeAnna Cole.

A celebration of life will be held for Bob on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Williamsburg Christian Church, 200 John Tyler Lane, Williamsburg Va 23185. Visitation will begin at 2 PM, promptly followed by a service at 3 PM.

Bob’s final resting place will be Arlington National Cemetery, with burial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to wreathsacrossamerica.org.