William W. Cole

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Command and General Staff College Shippensburg University United States Army War College

William Cole Obituary

WILLIAM WAYNE COLE (Age 80) On Saturday, July 16, 2011, died peacefully in the home that he built 34 years ago. Devoted husband, he is survived by his wife of 49 years, Patsy Lee Cash Cole; Father of and to William Tad Cole, Lisa Lee Wininger, and Pak Byung Kwan; grandfather of Joy Paeske, Amy Ewing, Dr. Adam Park, and Dr. Patty Fleming. Bill Cole served his country honorably and with integrity for 27 years in both the U.S. Naval Reserve and the United States Army, retiring at the rank of colonel in 1975. At Ft. Lewis, WA, he completed fixed-wing aviation training; as a captain, he graduated first in his class in artillery school in Ft. Sill, OK. He was aide-de-camp to two commanding generals of 7th Army while stationed in Stuttgart, Germany; graduated Command and General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, KS; was assigned duty in Can Tho, RVN; commanded a rotary-wing battalion of the Big Red One in Phu Loi, RVN (67-68); was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star (with Valor), and the Legion of Merit. While studying at the Army War College in Carlisle, PA, he also completed a Masters degree in Political Science at Shippensburg State. One of his last assignments was to the Army Review Board here in the Washington, DC, area. His 17-year dedication to Capital Lighting & Supply in Alexandria enabled the company and its employees to prosper, paving the way for its growth to where the company is positioned today. He was a founding member of the Occoquan Watershed Coalition. Known once also as Al Brown from Chicago, he wrestled adults professionally while in high school, mentored by the great Jimmy Demetral. Known only too well for his sense of humor and proficiency as a consummate practical joker, Bill Cole's modest legacy as a loving and compassionate visionary lives on in the numerous generations of families effected by his tireless sponsorship efforts to help them to achieve their own American dreams.. Arrangements are pending at Arlington National Cemetery; a private service is planned. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you hold dear with contribution the people at Capital Hospice. www.fmfh.com

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Published by The Washington Post on Jul. 21, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for William Cole

13 Entries

Barbara Linzey

August 15, 2011

Thinking of you all and praying for the entire family.

Rawlins Gilliland

August 6, 2011

I know you were very proud of your fine son Tad as he was very proud of you indeed. Rest in heavenly peace. Rawlins Gilliland

Darleen Burgess

July 26, 2011

What a wonderful man, Bill will be remembered by me forever. He gave great support to me during my husbands illness and death, the advice given afterwards in handlying our business affairs was much appreciated, I considered him a great friend who constantly got back to make sure I was doing OK. My thoughts are with Patt and the family in their struggle to adjust to his not being present in their daily lives. Thank you so much Tad for keeping me informed throughout the end of your Dad's life.

Paul Fraunfelter

July 24, 2011

Thoughts & prayers for Pat, Tad & the rest of the family.

July 24, 2011

Tad: I will be praying for you and your family during your grief. Obviously your Dad was a wonderfull and unique man. Now you are following in his footsteps! When the pain of your loss lessens you will be left with great memories. Jim Shelton

John Reilly

July 23, 2011

Wow. So sorry for your loss, Tad. But what a life.... What more can you ask?

Barbara Linzey

July 23, 2011

My prayers for the family. May God bless.

Bob & Jean Toler

July 23, 2011

Col. W.W.(Bill) Cole was the epitome of a true and fine American, and a good friend. His devotion to duty, honor and country were the principles by which he lived. His memory lives on in our hearts, and we send our deepest sympathy to Patt, Tad and family.

Pat Ring

July 23, 2011

My longtime and dear friend Bill was in my homeroom at West High School, Madison, WI, 1948 and what fun he was. He kept in touch all thru the years and after losing my husband, Bill bought my ticket to visit him and Patt in 2002. It was a wonderful time. He told me to blacken a tooth and use a cane so he would know me at the airport. Little did he know that I would do just that. I loved the guy. May his soul rest in peace.
Pat Ring. Wisconsin

July 22, 2011

We were so shocked to hear of Bill's passing. We will have his wife, Patt, and his family in special prayers. We will miss our email correspondence and his friendship.
Peace,
Gerald and Mary Eskelund

Diana Kinzey

July 22, 2011

My prayers are with the family. While I was not priviledged to know William, I did know his wife. She was my sister's best friend at high school in Shawnee, OK and the soloist at my wedding to Martin Cash in 1962.

Nancy Simmons

July 21, 2011

I was so shocked & saddened by this news. Bill was an amazing force, so active locally in Fairfax. He will be missed by so many people & organizations. I am privileged to have known him.

Margaret McNeely

July 21, 2011

I am deeply saddened to learn of Bill's passing. He was the S-4 my husband, Thomas, worked for in Babenhausen and he held Bill in his highest esteem.

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