Otis Anthony "Tony" Cole, a man of deep faith, love, and humor, was called home to be with the Lord on November 17, 2023. Born on February 3, 1948, in Langdale, Alabama, Tony spent his life serving his family, his church, and his community with a heart full of love and a spirit of generosity.
Tony was a devoted husband to his wife, Jeannette W. Cole, and a loving father to his children, Daniel Cole (Tammi), Carey Cole, Daniel Smith, Melissa Smith, Chuck Payne, and Jeanine Bell. He was a cherished brother to Alice Taylor, Annette Mayberry, and Scotty Cole. His legacy will continue to live on through his 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Tony was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Annette Mayberry, Bonnie Domangue and her husband, Dale Domangue, Jewell Bell, former wife, and his brother-in-law, Donald Taylor.
Tony served his country with honor and distinction in the Army National Guard for six years. Tony worked for West Point Pepperrell where he maintained the looms and other mechanical parts with a craftsman's precision and a worker's pride. The majority of his career and his subsequent retirement was spent working for the Trinidad Benham Corporation in LaGrange, Georgia.
A man of many passions, Tony loved the Lord with all his heart. He was a member of Midway Baptist Church. He served as a deacon and a Sunday school teacher and was honored as "Man of the Year" for his unwavering commitment and service. His love for the Lord was matched only by his love for his family and his church family.
Tony was a man of intellect and curiosity. He was an ardent collector of coins and different currencies, always eager to share his latest find or historical tidbit. His love for the University of Alabama football program was legendary, and he was a master at team stats. Tony was a voracious reader, with a particular fondness for history and the Bible. He was also an avid fisherman, finding peace and solace in the quiet moments by the water.
Tony was a beacon of light in this world, radiating love, faith, and humor in all he did. His laughter was infectious, his wisdom profound, and his love boundless. He was a very Godly man, who loved the Bible, loved history, loved to read, and loved fishing. His life was a testament to his faith, his love for his family, and his commitment to his community.
In the words of the great preacher Charles Spurgeon, "To be with Christ is far better." Tony is now with Christ, and while we will miss him dearly, we rejoice in knowing that he is at peace, basking in the glory of our Lord.
Tony's life was a testament to the power of faith, the strength of love, and the joy of laughter. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. We are grateful for the time we had with him and for the love he shared with us all. Rest in peace Tony. Your race is run, your fight is won, and your faith has brought you home.
Flowers will be accepted or the family requests that memorial donations be made in Tony's memory to Midway Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. EST at the Midway Baptist Church in Valley with interment following in Harmony Memorial Park. Pastor Terry Wood officiating. Visitation will be at the church Tuesday from 1:00 P.M. EST until 2:00 P.M. EST.
Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home directing.
Valley Chapel
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Otis Anthony "Tony" Cole, please visit our floral store.