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John COLES Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John COLES
Sunny Mitchell
October 27, 2010
John,
I remember the first time I met you and saw your office at GBA. I remember thinking how scary the room was and what is this guys like. Yikes! After 8 years of getting to know you, all I can see and hear when I think of you is your contagious laughter and your kind heart. I sure do miss you!!! I know I will see you again, but until then you will always be in our hearts.
Sunny Mitchell
October 27, 2010
John's big laugh is what I remember best about him! He was all in all just a fun guy to be around. His sudden departure has been shocking and quite saddening. But death has no victory for those who know the Father! I hope you are able to find comfort in that Truth.
- Allison Prehn, HKS
Steve Shearer
October 5, 2010
Today I did something I've never done before, I went to the fresh grave of a friend I adore.
As I walked up the slope, I could clearly see a long mound of freshly moved dirt. As i got closer, i could see a beautiful fresh red rose on top of grave - a sharp contrast to the dry, pale earth below.
At first i felt confused, I wasn't sure I was in the right place. But then words from his service popped in to my head - "he would be up by the trees, enjoying the breeze". My confusion cleared as he let me know i was in the right spot. My nerves calmed, almost like hearing him say "hey man" like he did everyday.
The sun is warm, the sky as blue as blue could be, a gentle breeze is blowing and rustling the autumn leaves. This is a place of sorrow for so many and I know his family is crushed by his loss. i pray for them to find peace and comfort and know it will come.
As i sat here i think about God's word telling us "He will not give us more than we can bare." That's hard for me to understand today, but I believe God has a plan for all of us. I am blessed and so thankful God's plan allowed me to know and walk with John for 18 years. He made me and my life better.
I can't explain why, but the longer I stay here, I'm starting to think this spot is about as beautiful and peaceful a spot as there could be for John's body to rest. He loved the outdoors
I know John's spirit and soul are not bound by this grave. Selfishly i must admit, I truly rejoice in knowing that. I know he is in heaven and that brings peace to my heart. I also know i'll see him again and as soon as we do, he'll say "hey man" and welcome me in.
John I love you and miss you and I will always carry some of your goodness with me the rest of my life. I promise to share it every chance I get.
Kenna Powell Eaton
October 3, 2010
Lois, I can only attempt to imagine the grief you are going through. You, and your family, will be in my thoughts and prayers tonight and in the coming seasons. May you be held in His comfort and strength.
October 2, 2010
John and I spent a number of Friday nights together on the football field. He was a special friend and special person. My prayers are with his family over this terrible loss.
Ron Howell
Sharon Sinclair Wiggs
September 29, 2010
John and I attended Burton and Lipscomb together. I last saw him 15 years ago on a football field, of course, when my son was playing pee-wee football. He had such a contagious smile and sweet spirit. Praying for God's comfort for all the family and friends.
Scarlett Martin
September 29, 2010
We are very sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our prayers. I hope that you will find comfort in the days ahead. Please know that we are here for you if you need us. With deepest sympathy, Scarlett, Ken, and Mitchell Martin (Mitchell is still under the weather or I would have told you this in person yesterday or today).
September 29, 2010
I am sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers. I had the privilege of working with John on numerous ocaasions on friday nights( twice this year) each time with John was a fun and interesting I will always remember his laugh. I would like to thank you for sharing John with us he was a special person, we will greatly miss him.
Billy Pitmon
Murfreesboro, Tn
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4
Mike Updegraff
September 29, 2010
We will miss John so much, he was a super person that added so much to our hunting group. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
The Updegraff family
September 28, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss....we will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Fondly, Barbara Humes and the Humes family.
Craig Beale
September 28, 2010
Lois
I did not know John closely, but spent more time with him recently. He was a great professional, leader, mentor and person, who will be deeply missed by his colleagues. I know he rests now in God's embrace. I hope you can find peace in that knowledge.
CINDY CHANEY
September 27, 2010
We are so very sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our prayers.
The Chaney family
Mary Ruth Furr
September 27, 2010
Lois, you and the boys are in my thoughts and prayers. John was a great man and I will never forget him and our friendship. Love always, Mary Ruth Whitehead Furr
Cary Weaver
September 27, 2010
Just like the bright spot in my life that you are and will always be, I light this candle for you.
Love,
Cary
Cary Weaver
September 27, 2010
John and I worked together each and everyday and I grew to know him more so as a dad than a boss. Not only did he add so much joy to my life, but he made me smile every time he was in my presence. We laughed together every day and I can't say I will ever know another person quite like John. People enjoyed being around him because he was filled with such love for others, which spilled over into the hearts of everyone he knew. Each Monday morning he would say "Cary, were you good this weekend?" and I would say "Yes John I was." He would then reply "Well, I'm really sorry to hear that" and then give me the classic John laugh and a grin from ear to ear. I will not ever forget his smile. It was a smile that reminded me of the sun beaming through the clouds right after a storm. He was an incredible mentor who taught me so many things about our job, but more importantly about life. His attitude was always positive and enthusiastic, and he never missed the chance to compliment others. His famous line that we will all have engraved on our hearts is what he would say when he would leave at the end of the day. "Remember who you are and what you stand for." I will always remember John and what he stood for, and I am blessed to have known him.
Cary
HKS
"I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3
Tina Horkins
September 27, 2010
Lois, Max and I are so sorry! You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Tina Jones Horkins
Virginia Pryor
September 27, 2010
Dr. John & Ms. Gloria, your friends at Lincoya Hills Baptist Church have you and your family in their thoughts and prayers during this time of loss.
Ron Carrier
September 27, 2010
Our love, prayers & sympathy to all the Coles extended family from the families of Ron & Marietta Carrier, Jr. (who graduated from Lipscomb Hi with John), and also Dr. Ron & Lois Carrier.
September 27, 2010
Dear Family
John was a great guy and I had several opportunities to officiate football with him. He will be missed.
Dale Cameron-Atlanta, GA
Ralph Hawkins
September 27, 2010
Lois and sons,
I met John many years ago ...of all the places...New Jersey. He was the communication guy! I think since we were both from the South, we gravitated to each other. My first impression was he was friendly, smart and a big guy! I liked him immediately. when I heard that he was joining HKS in our Medical Technology Group, I was so excited...because he exeplified our values of service to our client. When I heard about our loss on Saturday morning.....I was shocked and devastated. I had the fortune of meeting with John only 2 weeks ago and we had the opportunity of discussing the medical technology groups future....he was going to be one of our leaders. I have an empty spot in my heart now and I know it is nothing to compare to what each of you are feeling with the loss of this great man. All I can say is that the world will never quite be the same without John. God bless all of you and know that in your hearts he will be with each of you.
With love,
Ralph Hawkins
CEO
HKS, Inc.
Brent Eubanks
September 27, 2010
John was a great inspiration to me on the football field and I will miss him. He was always a great person to be around and his laughter was contagious. Having games and scrimmages with him was always a blast and the MTFOA will miss him greatly.
Take care and we are praying for you in this difficult time.
September 27, 2010
Lois, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. Love you, Brenda G. Hatcher
September 27, 2010
I have known John for almost 30 years and we officiated many games together.He was my friend and I will miss him greatly. My thoughts and prayers go out to Lois and his two sons.
W.O.Smith
Julie Hays Gaglione
September 27, 2010
Dear Dr. Cole, Mrs. Houghs and Lois,
I was so sad to hear of John's passing and was at the game on Friday, praying for the referee not knowing it was John.
I am Julie Hays Gaglione and grew up next door to the Coles on Overton Lea. When I was little John used to come over and play with me, and I remember feeling like I had a big brother when he came over. I was really young at the time, and my mom and I were reminiscing about it this morning. I used to beg her to call the Coles house to see if John was home.
Please extend my sympathies to John's boys as well. I am so very sorry for your loss...you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna Johnson Wright
September 27, 2010
My twin brother Ken and I went to Lipscomb for two years in Jr High and John was a delight to get to know. He kept us laughing all the time and was a good friend. We are sadden to hear of his passing and will have his family in our prayers and thought.
September 27, 2010
Lois and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Jacqueline (Flair) Telford-Meguiar (NCS, 1982)
Craig Pyburn
September 27, 2010
John will be missed greatly at MTFOA. I enjoyed working with him and getting to know him. He had a great sense of humor.
He also was a guy who had no problem helping anyone.
My genuine sympathy in your loss of John.
Bill Keel
September 27, 2010
Lois, Johnny and Robbie
You are in our prayers and thoughts through this difficult time. We love you and pray for God's comforting arms to be around you at this time.
Bill Keel and family
J Edward (John) Campbell
September 27, 2010
Dr. John Coles and family,
Sending thoughts and prayers to all of you over the loss of your loved one.
I was your patient in the 1980's and will always remember your excellent practice of medicine. May you feel the peace and comfort that only God can give in times like this.
Darryl Keckler
September 27, 2010
With great regrets,Darryl Keckler MTFOA member and friend,would like to pass on a heartfelt pray to John's family.John's dedication and leadership will be longstanding in our family of football officials.
With my deepest sympathy
Darryl Keckler
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