Charles “Charlie” R. Cole, 87, of Ringgold, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2019 in a local hospital. Charlie was born March 10, 1931 to the late George H. & Lena Cole. He was a long-time member of Ringgold First Baptist Church and the Lewis Taylor Sunday School Class. He was retired from U.S. Pipe, after 35 years of service in purchasing. He was co-owner with Wayne Lamb of the Battlefield Sporting Goods, Rossville for several years. He was instrumental in the success of the Post Recreation Association, where he served as president for several years. While president he, with the help of Jean Davis, organized the first girls’ softball program in Fort Oglethorpe. He coached Dixie Youth and Dixie Boys while his two sons played in those leagues. He would spend his entire vacations preparing the fields for district and state tournaments. The mayor of Fort Oglethorpe bestowed the honor of “Citizen for a Day,” recognizing his devotion to the baseball programs. When his sons were in high school, he continued following them in baseball. He never missed practices or a game when his grandson, Colin, played baseball at McCallie. He was very proud of his grandsons’ achievements in life. He was active in the PTA in his son’s school and was president of the organization. He was a member of the Lions Club, where he held several offices, and was involved in many civic and philanthropic organizations over the years. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955.
Charlie had a dry wit and was a practical joker, and was loved by everyone who ever met him.
His greatest accomplishment was his love and devotion to God and family.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Martha; sons, Michael (Terri) Cole, of Ringgold and Mark (Sally) Cole, of Signal Mountain; grandsons, Josh (Laura) Cole and Colin (Tiffany) Cole; step-grandchildren, Chris Hendricks, Will Guerin and Molly Penman (Nate); great-grandchildren, Emma Cole, Abigail Cole, Eliza Jane Cole, Rowan Penman, Hayden, Bodhi and Zoe Hendricks; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday at Ringgold First Baptist, officiated by Pastor Eric Kennedy and Dr. Bruce Sloan.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ringgold First Baptist Building Fund.
Visit www.heritagebattlefield.com to view the memorial tribute and share words of comfort with the family.
Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m. on Saturday at Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.