Mr. Gilbert Cole was born August 15, 1940 in Waynesboro, TN the son of the late Roy Franklin and Mary Ann Pulley Cole. He was united in marriage to the former Lefan Horton on September 3, 1960. Mr. Cole lived in the same area of Waynesboro for the majority of his life. He will be fondly remembered by his family and friends as a hard worker, either being seen in Gilbert's Furniture Store which he founded in 1990 or on a tractor on the farm. He was retired from the City of Waynesboro where he served as the Public Works Directors for 27 years. Mr. Cole departed this life on November 19, 2021 in Waynesboro at his home, making his stay in this life some 81 Years, 3 Months and 4 Days.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lefan Horton Cole of Waynesboro, TN;
his son, Gilbert Dewayne Cole and wife MaDonna of Waynesboro, TN; a sister, Patricia Ann Long of Waynesboro, TN; three grandchildren, Jacob Wallace, Jessica Staggs and husband Jeremy and Benjamin Cole; he is also survived by five great grandchildren Kyler, Jaythen, Kinsley and Kadyn Staggs and Novella Wallace. Mr. Cole is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Cole was preceded in death by three brothers, James William Cole, Floyd Hardin Cole, Paul David Cole; a sister, Ella Ruth Flippo; and a grandchild, Charlie William Wallace.
A Graveside Service will be held on Sunday November 21, 2021 at the Memorial Gardens in Waynesboro with Brant Sanders officiating. Shackelford Funeral Directors assisting the family with Arrangements.