David Emerson Cole was born not too far from Olanta, SC in Douglas, SC on April 3, 1928 to David Cole Sr. and Susan Burgess Cole. David was the second youngest of 10 children. He grew up here in Turbeville, helping his family on their farm which dated back to his great grandparents. Mr. Cole often spoke fondly of his brothers and sisters and especially giving credit to his older sisters for their hand in helping raise him.
David would tell stories of being a mischievous young man here in town with his partner in crime, Sanford Robinson. One story in particular was how they would hide in a ditch with their slingshots and wait for a horse n buggy to come by so they could shoot a pebble at the horse's rear and give the riders an extra surprise. The grin on his face while telling stories like these was absolutely priceless and contagious.
David went on to join the Navy and spent the next 8 years traveling the world during the Korean War and such. He found a home for himself in his last Naval post in Jacksonville, FL. David was no stranger to hard work, as anybody who knew him could testify, and had quite a knack for business. He started out owning a small local grocery store and worked his way up to owning and managing multiple rental properties and running a successful Mobile Home Dealership.
David married Jeannette Swartz in 1952 and together they adopted Edward Cole. David and Jeannette divorced in 1970.
David married Barbara Story in the summer of 1974. David, already the father of Eddie Cole, became a father once again to a daughter, Jane Cole. When he wasn't working or being on father duty, Mr. Cole would enjoy his passion of flying in his personal Cessna airplane. He really showed and talked of a love for nature and the outdoors.
At the height of his success, his wife Barbara suffered a devastating stroke, leaving her disabled and requiring great assistance. This is really where David Cole's legacy was made. A man who mainly showed strong work ethics and little emotion became the sole provider and caregiver to a disabled spouse, a 9 year old daughter and a demanding business. Most men
Would've cracked or been on the verge of a nervous breakdown but not David. It was as if God knew Mr. Cole was the man for the job. David wore his invisible cape and performed the impossible with God's grace and his faith. He nursed his wife back to functionally being independent. He kept his business afloat while still taking Jane to piano, dance and gymnastics classes. Any father who has raised a daughter and survived knows it's no easy task even without any disadvantages. Through all the obstacles, he kept his faith and he made sure to nurture that faith in Jane as well. He made sure she got to church every week and knew the meaning of believing in God.
Knowing his struggles, David would not want you to show him sympathy. His life was a life that he embraced and caring for his family was something he was bred for. He loved it. You see, Mr. Cole was just that.—the ultimate provider. He may not have been the mushy type or wear all his emotions on his sleeve but he was through and through the giving type. He was a thinking man, a man who had a tough exterior but a good ole soft heart. He believed in giving people a chance. If you were down on your luck and needed a hand to get up, he was your guy.
Mr. Cole was traditional. He was a man's man. You know, one that believed a person should work hard and take pride in their work no matter what that job was. He believed you should provide for your family and raise your children with values of faith, discipline and living your life honestly and sincerely. As he got older, he began to let the softer side of himself show more and this was especially true to his grandchildren Taylor, Cole, Paris and Austin. I personally couldn't have been more blessed to have such a great man and role model to be the grandfather to my children. He was a great father, a loving grandfather and a wonderful friend to many.
Make no mistake, David Emerson Cole left his mark on this world. Not because he was a self-driven, successful business man but because he showed those who knew him how life should be lived. Put God first, always be there for your family and don't be afraid of a little hard work because you never know where it will take you and who you might meet along the way. Be respectful and lend a helping hand when you can.
I once heard a saying, "God made death so we'd know when to stop." Well this couldn't be more fitting to a man who right up to his illness was driving, working 40 hrs. a week and still being the provider he was to his family and friends well into his 80's.
Dad, it's time to stop. It's time to be with God now and to reunite with loved ones we've already lost. For 85 years we were all blessed to have known you. You lived a full life and taught us all many valuable lessons along the way. So today we will not mourn your death but instead we will rejoice for the life you lived. The day we fear as our last is but the birthday of our eternity. We love you, dad you will forever remain in our hearts. God Bless.
This memorial was taken from David E. Cole Eulogy, delivered by his son-in-law Chris Merritt.
David would tell stories of being a mischievous young man here in town with his partner in crime, Sanford Robinson. One story in particular was how they would hide in a ditch with their slingshots and wait for a horse n buggy to come by so they could shoot a pebble at the horse's rear and give the riders an extra surprise. The grin on his face while telling stories like these was absolutely priceless and contagious.
David went on to join the Navy and spent the next 8 years traveling the world during the Korean War and such. He found a home for himself in his last Naval post in Jacksonville, FL. David was no stranger to hard work, as anybody who knew him could testify, and had quite a knack for business. He started out owning a small local grocery store and worked his way up to owning and managing multiple rental properties and running a successful Mobile Home Dealership.
David married Jeannette Swartz in 1952 and together they adopted Edward Cole. David and Jeannette divorced in 1970.
David married Barbara Story in the summer of 1974. David, already the father of Eddie Cole, became a father once again to a daughter, Jane Cole. When he wasn't working or being on father duty, Mr. Cole would enjoy his passion of flying in his personal Cessna airplane. He really showed and talked of a love for nature and the outdoors.
At the height of his success, his wife Barbara suffered a devastating stroke, leaving her disabled and requiring great assistance. This is really where David Cole's legacy was made. A man who mainly showed strong work ethics and little emotion became the sole provider and caregiver to a disabled spouse, a 9 year old daughter and a demanding business. Most men
Would've cracked or been on the verge of a nervous breakdown but not David. It was as if God knew Mr. Cole was the man for the job. David wore his invisible cape and performed the impossible with God's grace and his faith. He nursed his wife back to functionally being independent. He kept his business afloat while still taking Jane to piano, dance and gymnastics classes. Any father who has raised a daughter and survived knows it's no easy task even without any disadvantages. Through all the obstacles, he kept his faith and he made sure to nurture that faith in Jane as well. He made sure she got to church every week and knew the meaning of believing in God.
Knowing his struggles, David would not want you to show him sympathy. His life was a life that he embraced and caring for his family was something he was bred for. He loved it. You see, Mr. Cole was just that.—the ultimate provider. He may not have been the mushy type or wear all his emotions on his sleeve but he was through and through the giving type. He was a thinking man, a man who had a tough exterior but a good ole soft heart. He believed in giving people a chance. If you were down on your luck and needed a hand to get up, he was your guy.
Mr. Cole was traditional. He was a man's man. You know, one that believed a person should work hard and take pride in their work no matter what that job was. He believed you should provide for your family and raise your children with values of faith, discipline and living your life honestly and sincerely. As he got older, he began to let the softer side of himself show more and this was especially true to his grandchildren Taylor, Cole, Paris and Austin. I personally couldn't have been more blessed to have such a great man and role model to be the grandfather to my children. He was a great father, a loving grandfather and a wonderful friend to many.
Make no mistake, David Emerson Cole left his mark on this world. Not because he was a self-driven, successful business man but because he showed those who knew him how life should be lived. Put God first, always be there for your family and don't be afraid of a little hard work because you never know where it will take you and who you might meet along the way. Be respectful and lend a helping hand when you can.
I once heard a saying, "God made death so we'd know when to stop." Well this couldn't be more fitting to a man who right up to his illness was driving, working 40 hrs. a week and still being the provider he was to his family and friends well into his 80's.
Dad, it's time to stop. It's time to be with God now and to reunite with loved ones we've already lost. For 85 years we were all blessed to have known you. You lived a full life and taught us all many valuable lessons along the way. So today we will not mourn your death but instead we will rejoice for the life you lived. The day we fear as our last is but the birthday of our eternity. We love you, dad you will forever remain in our hearts. God Bless.
This memorial was taken from David E. Cole Eulogy, delivered by his son-in-law Chris Merritt.
David Emerson Cole was born not too far from Olanta, SC in Douglas, SC on April 3, 1928 to David Cole Sr. and Susan Burgess Cole. David was the second youngest of 10 children. He grew up here in Turbeville, helping his family on their farm which dated back to his great grandparents. Mr. Cole often spoke fondly of his brothers and sisters and especially giving credit to his older sisters for their hand in helping raise him.
David would tell stories of being a mischievous young man here in town with his partner in crime, Sanford Robinson. One story in particular was how they would hide in a ditch with their slingshots and wait for a horse n buggy to come by so they could shoot a pebble at the horse's rear and give the riders an extra surprise. The grin on his face while telling stories like these was absolutely priceless and contagious.
David went on to join the Navy and spent the next 8 years traveling the world during the Korean War and such. He found a home for himself in his last Naval post in Jacksonville, FL. David was no stranger to hard work, as anybody who knew him could testify, and had quite a knack for business. He started out owning a small local grocery store and worked his way up to owning and managing multiple rental properties and running a successful Mobile Home Dealership.
David married Jeannette Swartz in 1952 and together they adopted Edward Cole. David and Jeannette divorced in 1970.
David married Barbara Story in the summer of 1974. David, already the father of Eddie Cole, became a father once again to a daughter, Jane Cole. When he wasn't working or being on father duty, Mr. Cole would enjoy his passion of flying in his personal Cessna airplane. He really showed and talked of a love for nature and the outdoors.
At the height of his success, his wife Barbara suffered a devastating stroke, leaving her disabled and requiring great assistance. This is really where David Cole's legacy was made. A man who mainly showed strong work ethics and little emotion became the sole provider and caregiver to a disabled spouse, a 9 year old daughter and a demanding business. Most men
Would've cracked or been on the verge of a nervous breakdown but not David. It was as if God knew Mr. Cole was the man for the job. David wore his invisible cape and performed the impossible with God's grace and his faith. He nursed his wife back to functionally being independent. He kept his business afloat while still taking Jane to piano, dance and gymnastics classes. Any father who has raised a daughter and survived knows it's no easy task even without any disadvantages. Through all the obstacles, he kept his faith and he made sure to nurture that faith in Jane as well. He made sure she got to church every week and knew the meaning of believing in God.
Knowing his struggles, David would not want you to show him sympathy. His life was a life that he embraced and caring for his family was something he was bred for. He loved it. You see, Mr. Cole was just that.—the ultimate provider. He may not have been the mushy type or wear all his emotions on his sleeve but he was through and through the giving type. He was a thinking man, a man who had a tough exterior but a good ole soft heart. He believed in giving people a chance. If you were down on your luck and needed a hand to get up, he was your guy.
Mr. Cole was traditional. He was a man's man. You know, one that believed a person should work hard and take pride in their work no matter what that job was. He believed you should provide for your family and raise your children with values of faith, discipline and living your life honestly and sincerely. As he got older, he began to let the softer side of himself show more and this was especially true to his grandchildren Taylor, Cole, Paris and Austin. I personally couldn't have been more blessed to have such a great man and role model to be the grandfather to my children. He was a great father, a loving grandfather and a wonderful friend to many.
Make no mistake, David Emerson Cole left his mark on this world. Not because he was a self-driven, successful business man but because he showed those who knew him how life should be lived. Put God first, always be there for your family and don't be afraid of a little hard work because you never know where it will take you and who you might meet along the way. Be respectful and lend a helping hand when you can.
I once heard a saying, "God made death so we'd know when to stop." Well this couldn't be more fitting to a man who right up to his illness was driving, working 40 hrs. a week and still being the provider he was to his family and friends well into his 80's.
Dad, it's time to stop. It's time to be with God now and to reunite with loved ones we've already lost. For 85 years we were all blessed to have known you. You lived a full life and taught us all many valuable lessons along the way. So today we will not mourn your death but instead we will rejoice for the life you lived. The day we fear as our last is but the birthday of our eternity. We love you, dad you will forever remain in our hearts. God Bless.
This memorial was taken from David E. Cole Eulogy, delivered by his son-in-law Chris Merritt.
David would tell stories of being a mischievous young man here in town with his partner in crime, Sanford Robinson. One story in particular was how they would hide in a ditch with their slingshots and wait for a horse n buggy to come by so they could shoot a pebble at the horse's rear and give the riders an extra surprise. The grin on his face while telling stories like these was absolutely priceless and contagious.
David went on to join the Navy and spent the next 8 years traveling the world during the Korean War and such. He found a home for himself in his last Naval post in Jacksonville, FL. David was no stranger to hard work, as anybody who knew him could testify, and had quite a knack for business. He started out owning a small local grocery store and worked his way up to owning and managing multiple rental properties and running a successful Mobile Home Dealership.
David married Jeannette Swartz in 1952 and together they adopted Edward Cole. David and Jeannette divorced in 1970.
David married Barbara Story in the summer of 1974. David, already the father of Eddie Cole, became a father once again to a daughter, Jane Cole. When he wasn't working or being on father duty, Mr. Cole would enjoy his passion of flying in his personal Cessna airplane. He really showed and talked of a love for nature and the outdoors.
At the height of his success, his wife Barbara suffered a devastating stroke, leaving her disabled and requiring great assistance. This is really where David Cole's legacy was made. A man who mainly showed strong work ethics and little emotion became the sole provider and caregiver to a disabled spouse, a 9 year old daughter and a demanding business. Most men
Would've cracked or been on the verge of a nervous breakdown but not David. It was as if God knew Mr. Cole was the man for the job. David wore his invisible cape and performed the impossible with God's grace and his faith. He nursed his wife back to functionally being independent. He kept his business afloat while still taking Jane to piano, dance and gymnastics classes. Any father who has raised a daughter and survived knows it's no easy task even without any disadvantages. Through all the obstacles, he kept his faith and he made sure to nurture that faith in Jane as well. He made sure she got to church every week and knew the meaning of believing in God.
Knowing his struggles, David would not want you to show him sympathy. His life was a life that he embraced and caring for his family was something he was bred for. He loved it. You see, Mr. Cole was just that.—the ultimate provider. He may not have been the mushy type or wear all his emotions on his sleeve but he was through and through the giving type. He was a thinking man, a man who had a tough exterior but a good ole soft heart. He believed in giving people a chance. If you were down on your luck and needed a hand to get up, he was your guy.
Mr. Cole was traditional. He was a man's man. You know, one that believed a person should work hard and take pride in their work no matter what that job was. He believed you should provide for your family and raise your children with values of faith, discipline and living your life honestly and sincerely. As he got older, he began to let the softer side of himself show more and this was especially true to his grandchildren Taylor, Cole, Paris and Austin. I personally couldn't have been more blessed to have such a great man and role model to be the grandfather to my children. He was a great father, a loving grandfather and a wonderful friend to many.
Make no mistake, David Emerson Cole left his mark on this world. Not because he was a self-driven, successful business man but because he showed those who knew him how life should be lived. Put God first, always be there for your family and don't be afraid of a little hard work because you never know where it will take you and who you might meet along the way. Be respectful and lend a helping hand when you can.
I once heard a saying, "God made death so we'd know when to stop." Well this couldn't be more fitting to a man who right up to his illness was driving, working 40 hrs. a week and still being the provider he was to his family and friends well into his 80's.
Dad, it's time to stop. It's time to be with God now and to reunite with loved ones we've already lost. For 85 years we were all blessed to have known you. You lived a full life and taught us all many valuable lessons along the way. So today we will not mourn your death but instead we will rejoice for the life you lived. The day we fear as our last is but the birthday of our eternity. We love you, dad you will forever remain in our hearts. God Bless.
This memorial was taken from David E. Cole Eulogy, delivered by his son-in-law Chris Merritt.
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