Willie Prentice Cole, age 84
WILLIE PRENTICE COLE, better known as “Pa”, age 84, of the Rocky Mound Community Lafayette, TN passed away on November 1, 2009 at her residence.
WILLIE PRENTICE COLE, better known as “Pa”, age 84, of the Rocky Mound Community Lafayette, TN passed away on November 1, 2009 at her residence. Funeral services for Willie Prentice Cole were conducted Friday, November 6, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. from the chapel of Alexander Funeral Home with Elder Anthony Hale, Elder Kevin Slayton, and Elder Ricky White officiating. Dedra Downard, Kim Hickman, and Jamie Dudley served as honorary pallbearers. Eric Kittrell, Jeremy Kittrell, Josh Kittrell, Curtis Cole, Cory Cole, and Casey Cole served as active pallbearers. Interment followed in the Rocky Mound Cemetery.
Willie Prentice Cole was born on March 17, 1925 in Allen County, Kentucky. He was one of nine children born to Lattie and Ruth Driver Cole. His youth was one of hard work, country life, limited formal education, and simple pleasures. One day when at the age of 15, Prentice was saved while working and praying in the tobacco patch with his father. He joined and was baptized into Long Creek Missionary Baptist Church. Pa married his sweetheart and soul mate, Mary Lois Harris, on June 14, 1944, sharing 59 years together and raising two children; Ma was called to her heavenly home on December 5, 2003. Besides his wife and parents, he is preceded in death by, Half-brother, Cardanis Cole, Son, Jackie Cole, and 5 infant siblings.
He was drafted into the military shortly after he and Ma married. World War II took him across the seas to Japan and the Philippines. Upon Pa’s return from war, his and Ma’s years were spent making a life together. Factories, farming, church and family dinners consumed their life, making memories that filled their hearts. He also worked as a mechanic for about 15 years with Harper Ford in Scottsville, KY, before retiring in 1975. He spent many hours working in his shop repairing small engines and telling or listening to tales that can come only from an honest hard working, well-meaning man’s garage. One can only imagine at what point and time in his life, that Pa developed his “knee-slap” laughter and humor that made everyone smile. His greatness could be seen as he tended to his garden or worked in his yard, or just sat on his porch cooling off. This greatness was not something he consciously did, it was truly who he was. Pa was buried with deserving military honors for his services and sacrifices for the United States of America.
He is lovingly survived by; Daughter and son-in-law, Becky (Danny) Kittrell,
Daughter-in-law, Debbie (Stan) Scruggs, Sister, Mildred Stinson, Brother and sister-in-law, J.C. (Naomi) Cole, Grandchildren, Curtis (Stephanie) Cole, Corey (Sherry) Cole, Dedra (Jesse) Downard, Casey Cole, Kim Hickman, Jamie (James) Dudley, Eric (Athena) Kittrell, Jeremy (Brandy) Kittrell, Josh Kittrell, Stephanie Kittrell, 13 Great-grandchildren, 1 Great-great-grandchild.
Alexander Funeral Home, Directors, were in charge of arrangements.
