Edward Pharr "Ed" Cole

Edward Pharr “Ed” Cole, 73, of Bainbridge, passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Bainbridge First Methodist Church with Rev. Nate Lehman and Rev. Stephen Webb officiating. Interment will follow at Oak City Cemetery.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to Bainbridge First Methodist Church, PO Box 541, Bainbridge, GA 39818 or to the local Special Olympics, Bainbridge Bearcat Games, C/O Bainbridge High School, 1 Bearcat Boulevard, Bainbridge, GA 39819.

Edward Pharr Cole was born October 4, 1952, in Decatur, GA, the son of Homer Jr. & Sue Pharr Cole. Ed earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from University of Florida and a master’s in management from Central Michigan. He proudly served his country as a helicopter pilot in the United States Army for twenty-one years, retiring as a major. Ed also spent many years selling real estate with Miller-Griffin Realty. He served as president of both the SWGA Board of Realtors and the Bainbridge Rotary Club, was a Paul Harris Fellow, and was an active member of the Silver Lake Hunting & Fishing Club and Bainbridge First Methodist Church.

Given his military background, it comes as no surprise “The Major” was disciplined and had in mind the way things should be done. His word was his bond and there was never a doubt if he said it, he meant it. Family was always priority and many times included extensions like friends of his boys and others he met along the way. Florida Gator sports, hunting, fishing, and a round or two of golf always put a little pep in Ed’s step and gave him plenty of fodder for the next round of meetings. His quiet demeanor, soft smile, and big heart left an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone he encountered.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Byrd Starr Nussbaum Cole; his children, Hehle Franklin Cole and Edward Pharr “Ward” Cole, Jr. & Rebecca; and his brother, Vernon Warren Cole and his wife, Susanne. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Homer Franklin Cole, Jr. and Sara “Sue” Pharr Cole.