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 HAMPTON - William Ray Cole passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 21, 2012, at the age of 76.
He was born in Seagrove, N.C., and raised in Eagle Springs, N.C. He had been a Hampton resident since 1962, and was a longtime member of Central Baptist Church.
When Ray was 23, he married Mary Caroline Hare. They lived their early married years in Texas, as Ray served in the U.S. Army, stationed at the Killeen Air Base. He served honorably, first as a Military Police Officer, and completed his time of service as a Company Armorer. He later spent a short time driving 18-wheel trucks. As he started a family, he went to work in the Newport News Shipyard, where he spent most of his working days.
Ray was our family patriarch and an avid outdoorsman and mechanic. In his prime, he was often found fishing or hunting with his son, brothers-in-law, nephews, and other family members. In his later years, he enjoyed many outings with his grandchildren to bluegrass music events.
He was a man of few words, high integrity, loyalty, and he selflessly served others. He was one of those people who had 'never met a stranger,' and he always saw the good in others. He was a wonderful father across generations of children. His great pleasure was in time spent with family.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary; a son, Stanley Ray Cole and wife, Lynn of Poquoson, Va.; daughters, Anita Woodington and husband, Patrick of Hayes, Va.; and Marsha Ingraldi and husband, Tony of Yorktown, Va.; grandchildren, Erin Cole Cobb and husband, Zac, Amy Cole, Morgan, Cole, Bryan, and Jamie Woodington, and Caroline, Colleen, Sam, Emily, and Caleb Ray Ingraldi; and great-grandchildren, Ellie and Zayden Cobb. He is also survived by his siblings, Louvene King and husband, G.B., Darrell Cole and wife, Ruby, Sylvia Cole Jones, and Joyce Smiley and husband, Joe.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of the medical providers and their staff for their loving care and kindness to Ray and his family.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and word of condolence with the family.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A celebration of Ray's life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park. Following the burial ceremony, family and friends will gather at Central Baptist Church, 2739 Hampton Highway, Yorktown, Va., for a reception.
Memorial contributions may be made to Central Baptist Church, Yorktown, Va.
Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., in Hampton, 23666. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
Published in Daily Press from April 23 to April 24, 2012
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Arrangements under the direction of:
Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home
2551 North Armistead Ave | Hampton, VA 23666 | (757) 827-4670
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Hampton, VA (757) 827-4670
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