Bob Cole

Bobby (Bob) Virgil Cole, Sr., of Conyers, died Thursday, February 23, 2023, at the age of 80. Bob was born at home in Decatur, Georgia on March 9, 1942 to Virgil Calvin Cole and Dorothy Cole. He was raised in Decatur with his late siblings, Joyce, Linda, and Jack. Bob graduated from Southwest DeKalb High School in 1959 where he discovered his passion for sports and competition. When he wasn't working to support his family at Mathis Dairy, he enjoyed participating in baseball and track. That same year, he joined the United States Navy. During his eight years of service, he not only worked in Air-Sea Rescue but found his first of many outlets for his love of athletics by becoming a coach at the Naval Base in Key West, Florida. It was there that he met his future wife, Cindy Rivero, who worked at the Naval Exchange. In 1966, they were married and moved to Georgia, where they would eventually settle in Conyers to raise their family. Over the years, Bob found other opportunities to be around athletics and competition: coaching and cheering on many of his children's sports teams, umpiring baseball from college to little league, serving as booster club president, announcing football games for all three Rockdale County Schools and Georgia Perimeter College Baseball, racing motorcycles, and playing golf. In addition, his greatest joy and accomplishments revolved around his grandchildren, being a faithful follower of Jesus, a Deacon of his church, master gardening and working hard to provide for his family, whether it was through sales, the dairy industry or transportation.
Bob was preceded in death by his father, Virgil Cole; mother, Dorothy Cole; sister, Joyce Tingle; sister, Linda Jones; and brother, Jack Cole. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Cindy; daughter, Lisa Sweat; sons, Virgil and Terry Cole; son-in-law, Eric Sweat; daughter-in-law, Mollie Driver Cole; granddaughters, Taylor Cole, Lily Sweat, Bella Cole, Kate Sosa, and Mary-Liz Dougherty; grandsons, James Cole, Logan Sweat, and Graydon Cole. In addition, Bob is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. The family will receive visitors on Sunday, March 12, 2023, from 2:00 to 3:30 PM at Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers. A memorial service will follow at 3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Hardeman Primitive Baptist Church, c/o Sandra Wilkinson, 941 Rolling Meadows Drive, Loganville, GA 30052.
A livestream of the funeral service will be provided at www.scotward.com
Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.