Terry Wayne Cole

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Terry Wayne Cole (68) on October 6, 2024. He was on vacation in Spring Hill, Florida, celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife, Michele. Terry was born (Feb. 2, 1956) and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, and spent the last 43 years in the Tri-Cities, Tennessee area. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, following in the footsteps of his hero, Uncle JD Bruner. He was a Vietnam-era veteran. He was primarily a diesel truck mechanic, which he enjoyed. One of his passions was Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Cole, Sr. and Dorothy Bruner Cole, as well as his brother Wally Cole and brother-in-law Ray Goens. Terry is survived by his wife Michele, and his 3 children Christina Marie Butte (Christopher), Paul Jason Cole, and April Renee Usso. He was proud to be “Somebody’s Papaw” to his 8 grandchildren - Damon Blevins, Katie Cole, Emily Butte, Jake Butte, Laura Murphy, Haylee Cole, Jasmine Usso and Kaylee Menya. He is also survived by his brothers Paul Cole Jr. (Dixie) (Ocala, FL) and Gary Cole (Church Hill, TN), and sisters Teresa Goens (Church Hill, TN) and Deb Childers (Randy) (Indianapolis, IN). He is also survived by many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  

The family will receive family and friends on Thursday, October 24 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Downtown Kingsport. A service will follow at 7:00 with Rev. Alan Buckles officiating. 

Military Honors and burial will take place Friday, October 25 at 2:00 p.m. at the VA Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City, TN.