Russell Cole

Russell Cole, 89, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Russell was born on September 14, 1936, in Portland, Tennessee to Thomas Elmore Cole and Willie Pearl (Arterburn) Cole.

Russell was a man of family and faith. He was a long-time member of Dalewood United Methodist Church in Inglewood and attended Cornerstone Church in Madison. Russell dedicated time and energy to the Stratford High School Men’s Club and the school’s athletic department, volunteering in the concession stand or wherever his talents were needed. You could be certain that Russell would be in the stands at all sporting events that featured his kids or grandkids. His love of family was strong and unwavering. If it was your birthday, an early morning call from Russell singing “Happy Birthday” was always remembered.

Russell is preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Willie Pearl Cole, brother Kenneth Cole and his wife Edith, his sister Betty Cole Goodwin and her husband Roy T. Goodwin, and brother-in-law Billy Pyburn. He is survived by his loving wife Mildred (Brewer) Cole; daughter Dana Cole Thomason; sons Russell Todd (Amy) Cole and Keith (Natosha) Cole; his 8 grandchildren Nicole Thomason (Josh) White, Zachary Thomason, Hayden (Lauren) Cole, Grayson (Meaghan) Cole, Henry Cole, Samuel Cole, Jacob (Amber) Cole, and Jalen (Kendall) Cole; 5 great-grandchildren D.J. White, Kennedy White, Lyla Cole, Liam Cole, and Scottie Lukas Cole. In addition, he is survived by his brother Tommy (Charlene) Cole, sisters Dottie Pyburn and Sue (F.E.) Walker; sisters-in-law Patricia Cooper and Sandra Jost and a host of extended family and friends.

Russell’s love, laughter, humor, and birthday wishes will be missed.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 2pm-5pm at Hendersonville Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 2pm with visitation from 1pm-2pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Hendersonville Memory Gardens.