William “Bill” Wyatt Cole, was welcomed into Heaven on January 11, 2023. He was born the youngest of six children on January 17, 1931. At the age of 91, Bill has now joined his parents, Wyatt and Susan Legg Cole; sisters, Irene (Clarence) Latham, Dorothy (Marvin) Richard; brothers, Claude, Lynn (Louise), and Charles, and his son-of-heart, Donald White. It is imagined that his faithful dogs ran to greet him at the gate; his bulldog, Max, and Boston Terrier, Gus.
Those left to cherish his memory are his devoted loving wife of 67 years, Ellen Robinette Cole; daughters, Sylvia White, Angela (Scott) Clawson; son, Gary (Karen) Cole. Bill also leaves behind grandchildren; Emily (Kenny) Schweitzer, Cole (Rachel) Clawson, Liam Grant (Sabrina) Clawson, Richard Clawson LaPointe, Brandon Clawson LaPointe, and great-granddaughter, Claire Schweitzer. Bill was a loving uncle to several nieces and nephews.
The Lord and his church family were at the heart and soul of Bill’s life. During younger days, and throughout good health, he served in many capacities as Elder, Deacon, Teacher, and Superintendent of Sunday School. He was a member of First Christian Church of Abingdon.
Bill was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Virginia. His residence has always been the farm upon which he was born. He was a graduate of the Cleveland High School class of 1949, and was in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War where he served as a naval cook. After service, Bill accepted the GI Bill, and continued his study in Agriculture where he farmed and provided for his family. He worked for Raytheon Technologies early in his career, and until his retirement, drove as a bus driver for the Washington County Virginia School System. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling across the states with his beloved wife, making memories of which she has to cherish today.
Since he loved to sing, and had a handsome bass voice, Bill treasured many years within the Bristol Show Choir. During the Christmas program, he always portrayed angel Gabriel. He was 6’4” and held that role with confidence. Throughout various periods in his lifetime, Bill was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the American Legion, and the Woodman of the World. He lived a full life loving his family, and until ill health, attended every church potluck. Bill cherished conversations with friends, holidays throughout the years, and driving the tractor for youth groups during hay rides. He was a Godly Christian man who lived a simple life, and was loved by his family and many friends.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at First Christian Church. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 11:00 A.M. with Minister Tom Crise officiating. Interment will take place at Mountain View Cemetery in Bristol, Virginia.
Pallbearers will be, Scott Clawson, Cole Clawson, Kenny Schweitzer, Danny Rock, Donald Elam, and Lee Reynolds. Honorary Pallbearers will be, Wilburn Cadle, Wayne Lambert, Eugene Latham, Liam Grant Clawson, Glen Robinette, Robbie Robinette, and the men of First Christian Church.
Online condolences may be submitted to the family at www.frostfuneralhome.com.
Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the Cole family.