Carroll Thomas Cole, Jr., affectionately known to family and friends as “Tommy” or “Tom” was born on November 23, 1945 to Carroll Thomas Cole, Sr. and Kathryn Jeanette Rainey Cole in Woodville, Texas. While living in Kountze, Tom began his career in the funeral business working for Pace Funeral Home. Tom graduated from Kountze High School in 1964 and attended East Texas Baptist College briefly where he met Francis “Fran” Oliver.  He graduated from Commonwealth Mortuary College in Houston and received his funeral directors and embalmers licenses in 1966.  On April 8, 1966, he married Fran and last year celebrated 47 years of the most beautiful love story.  On September 12, 1968, Keith Harlan Cole was born, one of his great blessings in life.  Tom fell in love all over again when his grandchildren Kayla and Kevin were born.  Tom loved his family and friends with unconditional love.  He was never bashful in sharing his opinion. 

Tom worked in the funeral business from 1966 until he retired in 2007 but kept his license active until 2009. He moved to Johnson City in 1982 and worked for Crofts Funeral Home until retirement.  During his career, he served many families and always showed compassion and care with every detail regardless of circumstances. 

Tom always enjoyed being active in every community that he lived.  He enjoyed being the master of ceremony for special events in the community from pageants, parades, chamber of commerce banquets, and at times was more entertaining than the speakers. He enjoyed singing and often sang for weddings and funerals.  He served on the board for the Texas Funeral Directors Association, South Central Texas Directors Association and Johnson City Housing Authority. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #561 for 32 years, Lions Club and Chairman for the Blue Santa program for many years in Johnson City. 

On December 23, 2008, Tom and Fran moved to Wildwood Resort where Tom resided until his passing.  He enjoyed the beautiful area because it was coming back to his home and roots.  He cherished his friends in the community and loved them with dearly.

Tom is survived by his wife Fran Cole, son Keith Cole, grandchildren Kayla and Kevin Cole, two brothers Mark Cole and his wife Lana, Kyle Cole and his wife Joan, one sister Debbie Cochran and her husband Andy.  He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

A gathering of Mr. Cole’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Monday, February 3, 2014, at Broussard’s, 530 West Monroe, Kountze. His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 4, 2014, at Wildwood-Village Mills United Methodist Church, 5943 FM 3063, Village Mills, with interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Woodville.

Rejoice always.  Pray without ceasing.  In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.      1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 (New King James Version)