Ronald Redric Cole, 76, of Arbovale, entered his heavenly home, after an extended illness, Thursday, December 24, 2020, surrounded by his family.
Ron, by faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior, will reside in heaven for eternity.
Born June 27, 1944, he was the 11th of 12 children of Charles Tebe and Maggie F. Cole.
Ron proudly served his country for 10 years, climbing to the rank of Sergeant (E-5) as a United States Marine with deployments to Japan and Vietnam. Ron was discharged from the Marine Corps and resided in Putney, Georgia, for three years prior to returning to his roots in West Virginia.
Ron worked at Howes Leather, retired from the Division of Highways after 24 years, drove truck for several small local businesses, and worked for Wallace and Wallace for 14 years.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends, and especially enjoyed his grandchildren and would not pass an opportunity to wind them up and send them home. Ron loved people, always had a cheerful word and was eager to give a bear hug and a firm handshake. Anyone passing by his home would see him working on various projects, including his hobby of cutting firewood. If anyone needed help, Ron was always there to lend a hand.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 19 years, Carolyn Sue; son, Chris Adam; step-son, Brian Vandevender; brothers, Henry, Alvie, Bob and Harry; sisters, Sarah Inez Rodgers, Marie Childers, Jean Haglee, Henrietta (Boots) Cateldo, Odessa Ewing, and Dovie Perry.
He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Janet; sons, Charles Cole, Tommy Vandevender and John Ervine; daughter, Annie McCarty; sister, Frances Crist (Donnie); grandsons, Chris Isaac and Joseph Scott Cole; two special girls, “granddaughters” Harlie Nelson, and Hallie Kane; a special friend he considered a brother, Randy Broyles; special friend Diane Hoover, whom he always called his “Little Sis;” and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was held Sunday, December 27, 2020, at Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home in Arbovale with Pastor Julian Rittenhouse officiating.
Burial in Arbovale Cemetery Annex with military rites by the Pocahontas County Honor Corps.
Online condolences may be shared at www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com