Arthur R Cole

Virginia Beach – Arthur R. Cole, 80, went to be with the Lord on February 26, 2010. He was born on August 23, 1929 in Woonsocket, RI to the late Arthur and Eula Cole. Arthur excelled in Cross Country Track thru high school and later was given many awards for his great achievements in track throughout his college career at the University of RI. While in the U.S. Army as a Sgt. Major, his primary tour was in Germany. After active duty he extended his career in the RI Reserve to meet 30 years of service. He worked for the state of RI as a CPA for the mental hospitals.

Arthur was a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Providence; Harmony Chapter, Doric Counsel, Overseas Lodge # 40, St. John’s Commandery, Knights Templar, All York Rite Bodies; Palestine Temple, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, National Sojourners, Red Cross of Constantine, Swords of Bunker Hill, Masonic Veterans Association, International Police Square Club Inc., Past Grand Master of the state of RI, Kempsville Lodge # 196 in VA, and an honorary member of Thomas Smith Web Lodge #43 and Nestell Lodge #37.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 8½ years, Barbara Jane (Sunderland) Cole; 2 children, Vicki Jean Cole of CO, Thomas Arthur Cole and his wife Debra Lynn of RI; 2 step-children, Lori Jo Wahl of RI and Scott Joseph Keating of Norfolk; 2 grandchildren Harrison Cole of CO and Tina Noel of FL; 4 step-grandchildren, Lisa Jane Frisoli of RI, Michael Leonard Wahl of RI, Joshua Tyler Keating of Norfolk, and Scott Joseph Keating, II of Norfolk; 3 great grandchildren, Vanessa Jane Wahl, Chase Leonard Frisoli and Lincoln Jaxon Frisoli; and brother Robert Cole of RI. He was predeceased by his sister Dorothy Hurley and grandson Thomas Arthur Cole, Jr.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 PM on Friday, March 5, 2010 at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to 1st Baptist Church of Norfolk.