Richard Cole

1945 - 2018

COLE Richard Dineen "Dickie", age 72, beloved husband of Sue Ellen Dorton Cole, passed away peacefully in his sleep, Monday, February 5, 2018 at his home. He was born August 23,1945 in Lexington to the late John Lewis and Anna Boggs Cole, and was preceded in death by his two sisters, Ann Lewis Griggs and Jane Cole Britton, brothers-in-law, John Minor Griggs and Carl Andrew Britton and his nephew's wife, Sheila Kay Griggs. He and his wife, Sue, were high school sweethearts and were married June 22,1968, their 50th wedding anniversary this year. He attended University High School, graduated from Henry Clay High School and the University of Kentucky College of Business with a degree in Business Administration and Accounting. After working as an accountant for General Motors in Cleveland, Ohio, he enlisted in the United States Army Engineering Officers Candidate School to become a First Lieutenant. He was proud and honored to serve his country, serving in the 112th Military Intelligence Group. He was assigned to an intelligence mission in Viet Nam, and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service, and Rank of Captain. He was a Kentucky State Commissioner, Department of Local Government from 1975 to 1988 establishing the Toyota Impact Planning Center, Georgetown, Kentucky for the first Toyota Motor Manufacturing Corporation in the United States, and Chairman of the Kentucky Advisory Council on the Homeless. He was a member of the UK Alumni Association, and was a devoted sports fan. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, John Howard Cole (Robyn Michelle) his daughter, Laura Anne Cole (Christopher Steinrock) and his brother John Haggan Cole (Barbara Ann) all of Louisville. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews; John Nicholas Griggs,(Marita Louise), Jane Carol Griggs, Thomas Lewis Griggs (Donna Lynn), Michael Cole Griggs, Robert Adams Griggs, Joseph Clay Griggs, Rebecca Ann Griggs Kundinger (Wade), and Jennifer Louise Cole Hemsell (Lindsey) and many great nieces and nephews. Dickie was loyal to and loved his Cole and Griggs families especially his older brother, John. He cherished his son, John, and daughter, Laura Anne. He was a good provider, protector and guardian of his family. Dickie had a quick wit, humorous and fun-loving personality with many close friends, and was closest to his lifelong and best friends, John William Link, and John Bissell Roberts, Jr. We shall miss this good man and our very beloved friend. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. Monday at Milward - Man O' War, 1509 Trent Blvd. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 533 East Main St. Burial will follow in the Lexington Cemetery. In memory of Dickie's love for pets and his little dogs, CoCo and Taz, contributions are suggested to the Lexington Humane Society, 1600 Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington, Ky. 40504. View and sign the guestbook at: www.milwardfuneral.com