Ed Cole

Deacon Ed Cole was born February 28, 1946 in Oak Hill, Alabama to the late Pat Daniel Cole and Lydia Etheridge Cole. He was educated in the Escambia County School District, Pensacola, Florida, and was a proud member of the Booker T. Washington High School class of 1965, the fighting Wildcats! Ed played saxophone in the marching band and was a member of the football and basketball teams. Proudly letting everyone know that he was a starting quarterback and all-around star athlete!

After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, 82nd Airborne Brigade, (paratrooper unit).A proud Vietnam veteran. After serving in the military, he was blessed to have many skilled jobs. After relocating to Moss Point, Mississippi, he gained employment and worked over 32 years at Ingalls Shipbuilding and medically retires as a foreman in the Jointer Department, No. 17.

In his spiritual journey, Ed was a faithful member of the Little Rock Baptist Church, Moss Point, MS. He served as Assistant Chairman and Secretary of the Deacon's Ministry, Sunday school teacher, as well as the Spiritual Advisor of the Finance, Program, Recording, and Maintenance/ Repairs Ministries. Ed was also a member of the Sanctuary Choir and a guitarist in the Musicians Ministry. In his free time he enjoyed fishing, watching sports and old movies in his favorite recliner, preparing for Sunday school lessons and tinkering with all of his electronic/computer devices. For those who knew him well would agree-he was quite the wordsmith with quick "comebacks".

Ed was preceded in death by both parents, his beloved wife Christine Lett Glaude Cole as well as six siblings: Ada Marie Braxton, Bernice Lanier, Minnie Jenkins, Philip Milroe, Jackie Cole and Demetrie Herbert.

Ed leaves to cherish his memories his children: Lydell (Pamela) Cole, Veronica (Kenneth) Blakes, Donna ((Todd) Buck, Roderick (Sheila) Montgomery, Keelan (Yulanda) Cole, Anthony Glaude, Barry (Talvesha) Glaude, Reginald Glaude, Sr., Ryan (Rochelle) Glaude, Sr., a special niece, Dr. Sharon (Anthony) Cole-Penn; sisters: Edna Cole, Rebecca Reed, Lucille, Merriman, Daisy, Williams; brother-in-law's: Melvin Lett, Sr., Parrias Jerome (Violet) Lett, Miller C. (Paula) Lett and Robert Lett, Sr.; grandchildren: Tammie, Reggie, Jr., Barry, Jr. Ryan, Jr., Carvesha, Latoria, Quintin, Lydell, Myles, Kenneth, Keenan, Kendall, Ta-Tyonna, Teonta, Demetri and Niles; a very special friend, Laura Crear; and numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, special church friends and fishing buddies.

He was a distinguished gentleman in every way but most of all, he was a loving father, companion, brother, uncle, pawpaw, and friend to many. May his memory bring comfort and peace to those whose lives he touched throughout his remarkable life.