James Thomas Cole, age 83, of Killen, passed away Monday, May 12, 2025. Visitation will be Thursday, May 15^th, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm at Lee Hights Baptist Church. The service will follow at 2:00 pm at the church with Brother Chris Aday, Jamie Cole, Brian Wright, and Heath Harrelson officiating. Burial will be at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens. The Pallbearers will be Sullivan Cole, Gerald Johnson, Glen Cole, Richard Burchell, Matt Brown, and Todd Bullard. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Bullard, Larry Bullard, Carl Bullard, Marshall Mitchell, Walter Parsley, Gary Tays, Larry Brewer, Jimmy Lane, David Hipps, Junior Johns, and Millard Liverett.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Bama Cole; sisters, Redith, Helen, Edith, Catherine, Ruby Nell; brothers, Roy, Cecil, and John Houston.

Survivors are his loving wife of 63 years, Virginia Bullard Cole; son, Jamie Cole (Charissa); daughter, Gina Wright (Brian); grandchildren, Ali Grace Harrelson (Heath), Maci Wright, Sullivan Cole, and Kennedi Wright.

James was a member, deacon, and trustee at Lee Heights Baptist Church for many years and loved his church family. He retired with Reynolds after many years. After retirement, he enjoyed his retirement job working at Harlan Elementary and River Hill School. Papa loved working outside, and loved music, singing and dancing. He was a people person. He will be dearly missed.  Williams Funeral Home of Florence directing.