Mr. Thomas “Tom” Luther Cole, 78, of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, at Baptist Medical Center – Nassau.
Born in McCleary, Wash., he was one of four children born to the late Elmer Luther and Vesta Ann Graves Cole. Tom grew up in Washington and was a graduate of Elma High School, home of the Fighting Eagles.
After high school he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served until being honorably discharged in 1961. Upon being discharged, Mr. Cole returned home and worked with the Port Blakely Companies.
On July 5, 1968, he married Zuba Ann Hodges. In 1966 he joined ITT Rayonier in Hoquiam, Wash., which spurred the moved to Montesano, Wash., where he and his family remained until he accepted a transfer to Fernandina Beach in 1981. He remained employed at the Fernandina Beach mill as a foreman until retiring in 2000. After retiring from Rayonier, he worked with the Port of Fernandina until 2010.
Mr. Cole was a member of Wynooche Masonic Lodge No. 43 in Elma, Wash., where he was a past worshipful master. He was also a member of the Grand Lodge of the State of Washington. After settling in Fernandina Beach, he attended Amelia Lodge No. 47 on Amelia Island.
He was a lifetime and founding member of the Marine Corps League of Fernandina Beach.
Tom and his wife were longtime members of Yulee United Methodist Church, where he served on the Building Committee and Board of Trustees, and sang in the choir. Tom and his wife enjoyed camping with his family and supporting his girls by coaching and umpiring their softball games. He loved gardening and sharing its bounty.
His wife of 47 years passed away in August 2015.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two siblings.
Tom leaves behind three daughters, Kelly K. Stipp (Chris) of Harrison, Alaska, Donna Ennis of Fernandina Beach and Tonya Cole (Corey) of Fernandina Beach; a sister, Mary Sue Samples (Doug) of Olympia, Wash.; a brother-in-law, James Hodges (Rose) of Olympia; grandchildren, Roger Dickey, Colton Stipp, Kelsey Stipp, Amanda Priester (Antonio), Thomas Ennis, Rebecca Knowles, Stan Knowles and Ira Holton; and nieces and nephews, Lisa Pim, Linda Tobin, Bruce Williams and Melody Mueller.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at Yulee United Methodist Church with Pastor Charlie Sward officiating.
Tom’s family will receive guests on Saturday at the church from 10 a.m. until the hour of service.
Please share his Life Legacy and leave your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors