Bobby Donald Cole

Bobby Donald Cole, 90, of Ernul, NC, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, following a challenging battle with colon cancer. A man of character, humor, and resilience, Bobby lived a life defined by devotion to his country, his community, and family.

Born in Lavonia, Georgia, Bobby-known as "Don" to his childhood friends-spent his early years moving with his family before settling in Marietta. He was a standout athlete in high school, receiving awards including 4AA All Region football team, All State football, and Greater Atlanta All-Star baseball team, and he was selected for the Who's Who at Marietta High School.

Don went to Wofford College on a football scholarship, but after playing some minor league professional baseball and being injured, he joined the Marines in 1955, where he became forever known as BD.

A Life of Service and Skies:

His journey in the Marine Corps was legendary and could be referred to as "100 feet off the ground at 500 knots" : starting as an enlisted flyer in the F3D Skyknight, transitioning to Air Traffic Control as a Warrant Officer, and eventually earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant while becoming a backseat Naval Flight Officer (NFO) in the newly acquired F4 Phantom.

Bobby's skill in the backseat of the F-4 Phantom led him to serve three combat tours in Vietnam. With 678 combat missions, 43 Air Medals, and the Distinguished Flying Cross, he retired as a Captain, leaving behind a legacy of courage and resolve.

After retiring from active military duty, he continued his dedication to the military community. He spent 2 years in Saudi Arabia with Lockheed Martin as an instructor, and then launched a second career; 20-years of civil service at NADEP in Cherry Point. As a production manager, he was awarded the meritorious civilian service medal for implementing a new Inventory System at all 14 NADEP facilities across the US, travelling to each facility for 2 years to help with implementation and adoption.

The Marine Corps was his life and he lived it until his death, always thanking others for their service, including the spouses of military both active and retired, giving presentations, even carrying new unwrapped flags with him to hand out when he saw someone's flag was worn.

Family and Home:

While stationed at Cherry Point early in his Marine Corps career, Bobby's life changed forever at a local bowling alley where he met the love of his life, Pauline Cooke Smith. They married in 1958, beginning a 65-year journey of partnership.

Bob and Pauline were very active in the community and church and were known and loved everywhere they went. They would tell stories and jokes to anyone nearby, even strangers at the next table over in a restaurant. "Ol' What's Her Name won't go near a bowling alley anymore." "That's right – I'm afraid I might meet someone like him again."

Bob and Pauline loved to travel. They visited all 50 states in their Road Warrior van, even driving across the breadth of Canada to Alaska and back. They visited friends in the UK, visited Japan, and toured Europe in a bus. But they were always glad to be back in Craven County when it was over.

Together, they raised two sons, Jeff and Chris. Although BD faced a legacy of family hardships in his youth, he broke that chain and was a good father to his boys, providing a good home, coaching their baseball and football teams, lending a helping hand when needed, attending soccer games for his grandchildren.

The Heart of Craven County:

To the people of Ernul, "Mr. Bob" was a constant, friendly presence. He was a beloved substitute teacher at West Craven High School and a fixture on local ball fields, where he officiated sports and mentored generations of youth. A prominent member of his church, his outgoing personality made him a pillar of the community.

The last chapter of his life brought challenges for our family following the loss of our mother, Pauline. Before his passing, however, we were grateful for honest conversations, reconciliation, and the chance to once again share the love and respect that had always defined our relationship with our father.

Legacy:

Bobby was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pauline; his parents, Robert Vard Luther Cole and Blanche Florene Smith; his brother, Raymond Cornelius Cole; his granddaughter, Regan Cole Graham; and his great-granddaughter, Ophelia Katherine Graham.

Bobby is survived by his half brother Stanley Warren Smith of Columbia, SC, sons Jeffrey Dale Cole (Colonel, USMCR, Retired) Katherine Widman Carter) of Treasure Island, Fl; Jon Christopher Cole (Gloria Benson) of Wilmington, NC; 6 grandchildren – Joe (Genia), Carter (Justin (Sgt, USMC)), Caitlin, Rylie (Jonathan), Jackson, and Gracie, Matthew Graham (husband of late granddaughter Regan); 9 great-grandchildren – Elijah, Jacqueline, Chaseleigh, Dale, Magnolia, Timothy, Theo, Zoe, and Amaryllis. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will forever carry his stories forward.

Visitation will be Wednesday, 18 March, 2026, at 1:00 pm, at Wilkerson Funeral Home, in Vanceboro, NC, followed at 2:45 pm by procession to Celestial Memorial Gardens Cemetery, in Vanceboro, NC for 3:00 pm military funeral honors and graveside fellowship.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Bob's home in Willis Neck to be announced for mid-to-late April 2026.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Bob's GoFundMe (https://gofund.me/06cb9bb95).