John Cole

John (Johnny) L Cole, a much beloved husband, daddy, “Pap”, and friend passed away peacefully in Cleveland, Mississippi on 12-23-2024 at the age of 83. A Visitation Service will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Ray Funeral Home in Cleveland, MS. Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. 

John was born on March 20, 1941, in O’Reilly, MS to Carl L and Mable Mabrey Cole. John lived the majority of his life in the Cleveland area, completing high school at Cleveland High.

John spent the majority of his working years at Baxter Healthcare where he served as a supervisor. He always had a deep love for cattle. He raised pure breed Polled Hereford Cattle for a number of years. He loved every minute of it including traveling to sales and auctions and of course buying cattle.

John married Debra H Cole on February 5, 1981. She was his constant companion and the love of his life. They shared 43 years together, raising and supporting his three sons and one daughter. As the years passed, he became a “Pap” to his much beloved grandchildren. He was a daily presence in the lives of two of his granddaughters, Emily Cole and Riley Herbison (his Darling). 

John is predeceased by his parents Carl and Mable Cole, his sisters Carla C Swarner and Francis C Stokes.

John is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Debra H Cole, His sons, R Bryan Cole (Tanya), M Keith Cole (Andy), and K Lyn Cole (Lynn) all of Cleveland, MS. His daughter Nikki K Herbison (Billy) of Merigold, MS, his sisters, Eloise Holmes (Gary), Sara Thomas (Charlie), and Jane Rouse. His brothers, Gerald Cole and Charles Cole. His legacy extends to his grandchildren, Emily Cole, Skylar Cole, Hayden Cole, Leslie Cole, Tara Robinson, Richard Cole, and Riley Herbison and his 5 great grandchildren. 

John impacted many lives during his years on earth. 

His presence will be greatly missed. He will be remembered for his generous spirit and loving heart.

A sincere love and deep caring was provided to John and his family by his four caregivers, Tina Clayton, Eileen White, Diane Fly and Linda Fairs. They were not only caregivers they became family. We love and appreciate them beyond words. 

A special thank you to Azalea Commons, Vital Caring Home Health and to Hospice of North Sunflower and Marjorie Sappington, friend and Hospice Nurse.