Richard Lynn "Ricky" Cole, age 56, of Gillis, Louisiana passed away from this worldly life to his Heavenly Home on Thursday, October 11, 2018 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. His passing was in the comfort of his childhood home, surrounded by his loved ones.
Ricky was born on September 21, 1962 at Ireland Army Hospital, Fort Knox, Kentucky to Richard M. Cole and Joyce Farquhar Cole. Ricky was a graduate of Sam Houston High School and after obtaining his degree from McNeese State University, he went on to become an Instrument Technician for companies such as Oxy Chemical, Lyondell Chemical, and Westlake Chemical.
Worship was a large part of Ricky's life. Ricky accepted Christ into his life at a young age and became a member of Gillis Baptist Church. He was delighted in serving his Lord through his Baptist Faith by teaching Children's Sunday School and being faithful to all of the church ministries that brought him joy, until his illness.
Growing up and living in Sportsman's Paradise, Ricky loved spending his spare time hunting and fishing. Some of his fondest memories were being at the Camp on Saline Lake, enjoying the outdoors with his family. Ricky was a devoted Father, Son, and Brother. He deeply loved his family and was extremely proud of their accomplishments. He especially loved watching his two children; Heath and Fanci, excel in the hobbies that they enjoyed, whether it was baseball, softball, football, or band. A father strengthens his children with prayers, encourages them with his hope, and blesses them with his unending love.
Ricky never met a stranger. He greeted everyone with an infectious laugh and everyone he came across was a lifelong friend made. Ricky loved with all of his heart and lived his life with great passion for everything he did. His Christian influence and gracious love for the world he lived in will be greatly missed.
Those left to cherish Ricky's memory are his parents, Richard and Joyce Cole of Gillis; one son, Heath Gerald Cole (Maggie) of Gillis; one daughter, Fanci Lynn Cole (MacKenzie) of Gillis. He is also survived by one brother, Randy S. Cole (Angela) of Lake Charles and two nieces, Hannah Cole and Taylor Cole of Lake Charles.
Ricky was preceded in death by his Paternal Grandparents, Elbert Richard and Viola Tarver Cole and his Maternal Grandparents, Scylton and Ruby Farquhar.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Christus Hospice, Dr. Louise Becknell, Elaine, Dawn, Brady, Ashleigh, Angela, Tennille, Chris, Twila, and a special thanks to our friend Brenda, for always being there for our family.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Sunday, October 14, 2018 at First Baptist Church of Gillis. Visitation will resume at 9 a.m. Monday followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. at the church. Rev. Glenn George will officiate. Burial will follow in Creel Cemetery in Reeves, LA. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonmossbluff.com for the Cole family.
"For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16"
