Powhatan, Virginia
COLE, Lt. Col. Hugh Taylor III, Ret. U.S. Air Force, of Lanexa, departed this life on Saturday, November 12, 2011. Taylor, or "T.C." was surrounded by his family at his home on the Chickahominy River. He was born in Charlottesville, Va. on February 5, 1947 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Hugh T. Cole Jr. of Powhatan. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne W. Cole, and his only child, daughter, Courtney Cole Bucci and her husband, Mark Bucci; as well as four brothers and their wives, Rick and Pam Cole of Powhatan, David and Sharon Cole of Henrico, Billy and Eva Cole of Powhatan and John Cole of Powhatan; as well as two sisters and their husbands, Suzanne and George Tompkins of Justin, Texas and Sandra and Tommy Nelms of Chesterfield; and one sister-in-law, Nancy Cole of Powhatan; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Shirley Cole, and beloved brother, Iven M. Cole. Taylor loved and enjoyed many things in a life that ended too soon. Those that knew him best, or even a casual acquaintance, knew Taylor had one great love, the love of flying. From a young age, Taylor longed to be a pilot. He obtained his private pilot's license at the age of 16 from Hilltop Airport in Amelia, Va. After graduating from Powhatan High School and Virginia Commonwealth University, he joined the Air National Guard in 1970. His distinguished career in the Virginia Air National Guard spanned for 28 years. During that time, he flew several different fighters, including the F-105 Thunderchief, A-7 Corsair, and the F-16 Fighting Falcon. He flew missions over Panama, Bosnia and Kosovo, and Iraq after the First Gulf War. Taylor was also a First Officer and Captain for USAirways, but it was flying fighters which gave him the most joy. Known affectionately as Otis, H.T., and Hewey Dewey by his family and friends, Taylor loved spending his down time on the Chickahominy River, cruising on boats, and listening to beach music in Myrtle Beach. His passion for UVA football was legendary, as he routinely lost his voice after watching the team lose numerous football games late in the fourth quarter. He also loved taking trips to Nags Head, where he taught his daughter about the Wright Brothers, and their fantastic Flyer. He also taught her to always "check six". The family will receive friends Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Bennett & Barden Funeral Home, 3215 Anderson Hwy. (Rt.60), Powhatan. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Powhatan. Interment church cemetery. In lieu of flowers contribution may be made to the Alzheimer's Asscociation, or to any reputable veterans charities.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
A few years have passed since you left. My memories are as strong as ever and my sense of loss has transformed into gratitude for having your presence in so many lives, including mine, and how better off I was (we all were) for it. I know you are resting in peace, and the many people that loved you in life continue with that love and the spirit and strength you helped give them.
Jonathan Angier
November 08, 2020 | Oak Island, NC | Friend
Well, Taylor, I want to thank you for turning on Heaven's Brilliant Light for me over the last two weeks. I went to Powhatan to meet up with some old friends of yours and mine and to talk to some faculty at PHS---including our dear old friend, Lynne Bradbury and her daughter who teaches there---about how my company might be able to raise money for public education in Powhatan and in the Richmond area. I went to the incredible new high school in Powhatan and as we sat in a classroom chattering...
November 11, 2014
Yvonne & Courtney,Sorry to hear of Taylor's passing. We just learned of it today. We had a lot of good times at the watering hole and beach music festivals. Our thoughts and prayer go with you. Your friends David & Bonnie Hutchison.
David & Bonnie Hutchison
November 25, 2011 | Mechanicsville, VA
Yvonne and Courtney
I just learned of Taylor's passing from my brother-in-law who's still in Powhatan. I know it must be so painful for you, but at least he's in a better place and at peace. Please accept my condolences for your loss.
Even though I haven't seen Taylor or you, Yvonne, in over 40 years, it's hard for me to imagine that Taylor is gone. I say this because despite the distance between us over time, there has always been a very important piece of my...
Jonathan Angier
November 25, 2011 | Durham, NC
Dear Cole Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your closeness as a family has always been an inspiration to me. I know that it will get you through yet another rough time in your lives.
Tracie Coker Hagy
November 18, 2011 | Chesterfield, VA
Courtney and Yvonne, I was shocked and extremely saddened to hear about Taylors passing. I have many fabulous memories of Taylor growing up with Courtney espcially at the house in Bradley Acres. Convertbile rides and his sunglasses. He was a great father and husband and he will be truly missed. I'm sorry we lost touch over the years, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
LOVE
Wendy Speight
Wendy Speight
November 17, 2011 | Mechanicsville, VA
Dearest Vonne & Courtney,
Please know how much we loved and admired the "Dick Clark" of our generation ~ your husband, and your father! We are both so saddened by the news of his passing, yet want you both to know what a great person we always knew him to be!!
Vonne, you and Taylor have always been some of our most favorite people to be around, and that will never change! Taylor lived his life to the fullest, and he will always be admired for that!
Please know that we...
Michael Newbill
November 16, 2011 | Mechanicsville, VA
Dear Cole Family: My heart breaks to learn of Taylor's passing. As a teenager hanging out at the Cole house in the 70's, my first memory of Taylor was as a fearless & enthusiastic pilot. He took me on my FIRST air flight--landing in a Powhatan pasture! I pray each of you draw comfort from the love you share, and the memories you hold dear of Taylor's extraordinary life!
Terry Bratton Behr
November 16, 2011 | Lancaster, PA
Yvonne and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray God gives you the strenght to go thru this time. Please relay my condolences to Suzanne. May you find peace through all of this.
Linda Wood-Shiflett
November 16, 2011 | Chesterfield, VA
