John Thomas Cole

Honorably discharged as a veteran of the United States Marine Corps serving six years, ever living up to the “Semper Fi” in all areas of his life as a marine, brother, husband, and father. He was a faithful husband for 32 years and a wonderful daddy for 37 years. He loved his family and friends dearly and was always speaking to people and joking with them, making them laugh and feel loved.

John retired after over 40 years as a manager from Westwood Auto Parts at the Graysville and Forestdale locations. He loved fishing and barbecuing. He loved God and could often be found studying the Bible or reading a book about the Lord.

Those we have talked to have had nothing but kind words to say, often commenting on how good of a man they felt he was. Those words could not be truer.

John was preceded in death by his father, Roy Watkins Cole; his mother, Ruth Benson Cole; and one daughter, Toni Leigh Cole.

John is survived by his loving wife, Tanya Thorpe Cole; one daughter, Destiny Faith; a brother, Charles Benson Cole; a sister, Dixie Cole Bentley, several nieces, and a host of friends.

Celebration of life services will be held on Sunday, August 4, 2019 at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel with a time of visitation to begin at 1:00pm; service at 2:00pm, followed by his burial in Oakwood Memorial Gardens.