Gerald Cole

Arlin Gerald Cole, age 86, known lovingly to many as "Burger", went to be with the Lord on November 5, 2025, surrounded by family. He was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Lenoir City. He was a lifelong resident of Loudon, graduating from Loudon High School in 1957 and then joining the Marines. He was honored in his time in the military with good conduct and a sharpshooter distinction. He spent his adult life as a small business owner and as a corporate pilot. He dedicated his free time to the Freemasons, as well as doing acrobatic plane shows with his special friend Butch Ferguson, who built their matching planes together themselves. He loved to spend time in his garden and caring for Myrtle, his donkey.
He is proceeded in death by his parents; Father William Huel Cole and mothers; Mary Ledford Leroy and Mildred Estes Cole, his brothers; William Harold Cole, Howard David Cole, and Joseph "Joe" Cole, his sons Stacy Harper Cole and Arlin Gerald Cole Jr. as well as several nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his wife Helen Harper Cole, daughter Lea Ann Cole Rogers (Chris), grandsons; Christian Cole Rogers (Chelsea), Caden Davis Rogers (Carson), granddaughter; Chandler Rogers Willis (Jordan), Greatgrandchildren; Cennedy Ann Rogers, Christian Case Rogers, Cooper Cole Rogers, Cash David Rogers, sisters; Joyce Cole Kinser and JoAnn Cole Adams, and several nieces and nephews.
The Cole family will hold a visitation at McGill Click Funeral Home on Sunday, November 9, 2025 from 12pm-2pm with a service will follow. The family will then go in procession to Loudon County Memorial Gardens for a graveside service.
John Hunn and Chris Hardin will be officiating.
Serving as pallbearers; Chris Rogers, Cole Rogers, Caden Rogers, Jordan Willis, Jerry Bookout and Sean Nicholson.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Lenoir City Building Fund.
McGill Click Funerals and Cremations is honored to serve the Cole family, condolences may be left at www.mcgillclick.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald Cole, please visit our floral store.