Charlie "Wilbur" (Bill) Cole

Smithville – Charlie "Wilbur" (Bill) Cole, 90, passed away at Oak tree Manor Nursing Center, Amory, MS, on May 29, 2020. Born on May 19, 1930, in Smithville, MS, he was a son of the late Johnnie Columbus “Lum” Cole and Etna Drucilla Stafford Cole.

Wilbur grew up in Monroe County and graduated from Smithville High School with the class of 1947. While Wilbur was competing in roping cattle at a local fair, he met a sweet young lady, Remona, who was participating in the 4H at the same fair. Wilbur knew immediately this was the woman he was going to marry. They married on January 31, 1951 and they were blessed by God with two chosen children. A patriot at heart, he served in the United States Army and fought in the Korean War. He was a great provider, hard worker and was employed as a Laborer with True Temper Manufacturing for over 30 years. He retired in December of 1993.

A wonderful Christian man, Wilbur was soft spoken, slow to anger, and very patient. He was a faithful member of Smithville Baptist church prior to joining Meadowood Baptist Church. In both churches he served as a Deacon and a Sunday School Teacher. A true servant, he ushered at church as well as led the music often for the congregation. During Church Camps, he and Remona always helped with cooking meals for the attendees. He loved Gospel Bluegrass, Country, and especially music by Elvis. A man of few words, when he did speak his dry sense of humor could make anyone smile. He really enjoyed being around family, his children and grandchildren and he loved them dearly. In his free time, he liked to farm, sometimes milking cows, other times simply working the land, he also had a vegetable garden, grew beautiful flowers, and he liked cutting wood to provide warmth for his family.

Wilbur was a precious man who loved God, his wife, family, and others dearly. The memories made with him will be cherished forever by friends and family.

Wilbur is survived by his daughter, Angie Cole Meaders (Dwight), Amory; son, Johnny Cole, Ripley; grandchildren, John Michael Cole, Malcolm Quinn Cole, Chasity Cole, Cayson Cole, Alissa Shell, Kyra Kirk, Colby Cockrell, Dustin Cockrell; great-grandchildren, Heaven Sloan, Graceland Vaughn, Camden Cole, Kingslee Pargo, Cambree Cole, Jett Cole, Hasten Stasch, Easton Bray, Scottie Beth, and Harley Nehring; several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Remona; sister, Marie Melvina Kendrick; and brother, James Melton Cole.
Visitation will be on Monday, June 1, 2020, from 1:00 pm until 1:50 pm at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home with occupancy limited to 50 total people at all times. Due to Covid 19, please bring your mask if you plan to attend visitation.

A Private Family Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, June 1, 2020, at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home with Dr. Lloyd Sweatt officiating. A public graveside service with military honors will be held at 3:00 pm at Pearce Chapel Cemetery, Smtihville, MS. Pallbearers will be Gary Morgan, David Best, Frank Owen, Bill Cole, Bobby Cole, and Howard Brannon. Honorary pallbearer will be John Holland.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Meadowood Baptist Church, 1512 Hatley Road, Amory, MS, 38821.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com