of Harrison, AR
May 31, 1935 - June 18, 2021
Billy Cole died on Friday, June 18, 2021, at his home of 58 years on Lone Oak Dairy Road west of Harrison, Arkansas. He was born near Harrison on May 31, 1935, to William and Mellie (Hunt) Cole. Billy was preceded in death by his parents and his four half-brothers, Johnny Wilson, Charles Wilson, Roy Lee Wilson, and George Wilson, all of Harrison.
Billy was an active member of the Northside Church of Christ. He graduated from Harrison High School. He married Freda Stuckey in Harrison nearly 68 years ago on June 29, 1953. Before 1963, he delivered milk to many homes in Harrison, and he then worked for the telephone company until his retirement in 1997. He served in the Army National Guard, retiring after 30 years, and reached the rank of master sergeant.
As an avid traveler, Billy visited all 50 states and several other countries. He never met a stranger and was always eager to be of service to others. His work ethic and devotion to his wife and family continue to be an inspiration to everyone.
Billy is survived by his wife, Freda Cole, of Harrison; his sister, June (Campbell) Savage, of Rantoul, Kansas; his son, Dr. Michael Cole and wife Jeannie of Fort Smith, Arkansas; his daughter, Becky Newberry and husband Andy of Candler, North Carolina; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
The family visited with friends at the Northside Church of Christ Activity Center for a celebration of life on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, from 1:00 to 3:00.
Private burial was at Gass Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Children's Homes, Inc., 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, Arkansas 72450.
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19 Condolence(s)
Edward Beaulieu
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Sister Freda,
I was set back at the news of Bill's passing. Grace and I both extend to you and family our deepest condolences, but also remember THE PROMISE and HOPE that we hold for our comfort.
May the God of All Comfort bless and keep all of you.
In Christian Love,
Ed and Gracie
Vickie Hilburn Rogers
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Roberta Phillips
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Freda and Family---
I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was such a nice and friendly person. At work, he was always
kind to you even if you had to call him with a repair problem during the middle of the night. My
thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Robert & Linda Brown
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Ms. Freda, Dr. Mike, Ms. Becky,
We send our condolences to you on the loss of you husband and father. Billy was a hard worker and a good friend and neighbor. Myself and my brothers were very appreciative of Billy's watchful eye and help when mother was in need of something on the farm after Dad had past.
It was always easier for us knowing we had Billy close by. We will miss him. God Bless.
Lynn E Brown
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Bill was a great neighbor, friend, and for a long while, an employee. He was always doing something good for people. I remember that when I was helping him deliver milk, he always reminded me to pick up the paper and leave it with the milk bottle, just another example of caring customer service and good will. I am thankful for his service to his state and country in the National Guard, for his service to the Lone Oak Dairy and the Brown family, and for being a great neighbor and friend. I'll miss him at our museum meetings, where I could get caught up on all the stuff happening on Lone Oak Dairy Road. He had enough hustle for two ordinary men, and I'm sure retirement didn't slow him down much. Freda, Becky and Michael, I know you'll miss him as we all will, and our prayers and thoughts go with you as you make this difficult journey. Lynn Brown
Craig, Linda, Patrick Morris
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Aunt Freda, Michael, Becky: I want to send my heart felt sorrow for our whole families. Uncle Billy was such an awesome example, he taught me about caring for livestock, the importance of community, and family first. I recall how he knew where the best an largest dewberries were, always reminding us “the kids†to be sure to pick plenty for his mother for a cobbler, yet leaving some for seeding the area not to mention leaving food for the critters too. I feel sadness at our loss. He was a bit more than awesome. His knowledge & wisdom will leave a void. God bless all of you!
Carol Hilburn Farrar
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Freda, Becky, and Michael, I am so sad to learn of your loss. Billy was such a nice man. I have so many memories of him because of all the time I spent with your family when Becky and I were kids. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and all the family during this sad and trying time.
Jerry Honey
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Bill has been a good friend and brother . We will miss his friendly smile and giving spirit. Blessed to have shared his live.
Jerry & Bettye Honey
Sheryl Holt
Monday, June 21, 2021
Bill was always happy and very helpful. I am very proud to have known Bill. He was a hard worker and an inspiration to all who knew him. Bill could always put a smile on my face! Heaven gained a very sweet man! Sheryl Holt
Dr. Mike and Becky Hinkle
Monday, June 21, 2021
Frida: You and Billy Cole were so very, very precious to my parents Charles and Hattie Hinkle when we moved to Harrison in 1970. My parents so enjoyed their times in your home. Now what I remember was you fixing the BEST fried shrimp in the whole world and let me eat as many as I wanted!
Your kids were very special to me growing up. THANKS for raising them in a CHRISTAIN home. My parents and Billy Cole are having a party in heaven, blessings on you and your family! Mike and Becky
Trudie Young
Monday, June 21, 2021
You were always so kind and helpful. You will be greatly missed. Prayers for the family.
Bob and Patsy Bush
Sunday, June 20, 2021
We will miss you. But we will always remember repairco and the winter Texans.
Gwendolyn (Jones) Bowen
Sunday, June 20, 2021
Bill was a fellow classmate and graduate from HHS, who I always enjoyed seeing and visiting at our reunions over the years, so RIP until we meet again.
Steve Zimpfer
Sunday, June 20, 2021
Becky, so sad to learn of the passing of your Dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. May God bless you and your whole family with His peace and grace.
Mary Beamon
Sunday, June 20, 2021
Bill, you were always ready to share, and stop a while and visit with folks. I remember coming to your home and you were so excited to share your pen collection! You will be missed - but I'm so glad we have a Heavenly Father who keeps His promises. We will meet again.
Bonnie R. Gass
Saturday, June 19, 2021
Cousin Michael...
Sorry to read this about your father. You have my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Sending hugs and Christian Love! Prayers being said for you!
Cousin Bonnie
Linda and Jerry Greenhaw
Saturday, June 19, 2021
Bill was an excellent employee. We enjoyed a wonderful working relationship and an even better relationship after we retired Bill embodied the strength of a Christian the power of God and a dear friend. I will think of him with loving remembrances. Our loving caring feelings
to Fredah, Michael and Becky
Linda and Jerry Greenhaw
Jeremy Ragland
Saturday, June 19, 2021
Our entire family will miss Bill very much. He was so kind to our children and always had some sort of candy, usually a sucker, to give them at church. Bill always stood up for what was right and was always one of the first names on the “sign-up†list for a variety of volunteer activities. Thank you Bill for the example that you were.
Sandy Lair
Saturday, June 19, 2021
I am so sorry for the loss of Bill. I saw him Wednesday night at church handing out suckers to the kids. I will always remember how friendly he was to Christy, He always acted so glad to see her. I will always remember how he came over to my house one day 10 or more years ago and hung some hooks in my closet. He would not take any money for that and said he liked doing for others. I pray that I will be more like Bill Cole….pay attention to those that have special needs and share my talent with others. He will be missed by Christy and me.