Thomas Melvin Cole Swannanoa, North Carolina Obituary

Thomas Melvin Cole

<p><strong><span style="font-size:26px;"><span style="font-family:times new roman,times,serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:26px;"><span style="font-family:times new roman,times,serif;">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 &ldquo;The Duke&rdquo; in an old western movie.</span></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:26px;"><span style="font-family:times new roman,times,serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Boyd Cole;&nbsp; three sisters, Madge Jarvis, Dale Wright, and Pauline Matson; and a granddaughter, Tiffany Burgess.</span></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:26px;"><span style="font-family:times new roman,times,serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.</span></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:26px;"><span style="font-family:times new roman,times,serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.</span></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:26px;"><span style="font-family:times new roman,times,serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Cole Family.</span></span></strong></p>
May 19, 1929 - July 31, 202005/19/192907/31/2020
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Love You, Sylvia Johnson
August 5, 2020
SENTIMENTAL THOUGHTS

SENTIMENTAL THOUGHTS was purchased for the family of Thomas Melvin Cole. Send flowers

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DONNA G PALMER
August 4, 2020
FROM ALL THE PALMERS TO TOMMY AND HIS FAMILY, WE COULDN'T LOVE YOU MORE IF YOU WERE OUR OWN. YOUR LIVES AND HIS ARE BOUND WITH OURS FOREVER. HAVE FUN ON YOUR NEW ADVENTURE TOMMY. XXXX
A GARDEN PATH

A GARDEN PATH was purchased for the family of Thomas Melvin Cole. Send flowers

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Jan Duckworth
August 3, 2020
When we first moved to Asheville, Tommy and Grace wanted to take the boys to see the July 4 fireworks. We were brand new to area, and didn't know where to go. They took us to River Ridge, and we sat in the back of his truck to see the fireworks at Rec Park.  I'll never f... Continue Reading
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Debbie Mccarson
August 2, 2020
Happy days now in heaven. That beautiful place we live our lives to get to. Your life was the example of a true Christian. See you soon.
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