Thomas Melvin Cole, age 91, of Asheville, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2020 at his residence. He was born on May 19, 1929 in Buncombe County, NC to the late Hilliard Cole and Ella Garrison Cole. Thomas was a hard worker and he worked for the North Carolina State Highway Department and was proud to be one of the first to pave the roads in Asheville that we routinely travel on today. He loved his family and enjoyed being outdoors in nature. He also enjoyed gardening and going out to eat with friends and family. Thomas was a huge fan of John Wayne and he could be found often times, in front of the television watching “The Duke” in an old western movie.

            In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Boyd Cole;  three sisters, Madge Jarvis, Dale Wright, and Pauline Matson; and a granddaughter, Tiffany Burgess.

            Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 58 years, Grace Carter Cole; a daughter, Sandra Cole and husband Tim of Asheville; two granddaughters, Crystal Dotson and husband Eric of Black Mountain and April Cole of Asheville; four great-grandchildren, William Burgess of Asheville, Austin Roberts of Fairview, and Eli and Emmett Dotson, both of Black Mountain; and special friends, Emo and Kathleen Radeker and Betty Reed, all of Asheville.

            A drive-by visitation will begin on Friday, August 7, 2020, at 6pm at Bethel United Methodist Church at 1056 Riceville Road, Asheville, NC 28805. A celebration of life for Mr. Cole will follow the visitation at 7pm. Pastor Terry Duckworth will be officiating.

            Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Cole Family.