John Morgan Cole, Jr.

John Morgan Cole, Junior, 92, passed away on June 24, 2018. He was born in Forest Hill, Tennessee on April 16, 1926 to John Morgan and Lelia McCullough Cole.  Mr. Cole graduated from Whitehaven High School (1944) and Memphis State College.  He served during World War II in Europe with the historic 4th infantry division. He continued his military career while serving his country during the Korean War with the 196th Field Artillery Battalion of the Tennessee National Guard.  For his service in both wars, Mr. Cole was honored with a Bronze star and numerous other medals.

Following his years of service to his country, Mr. Cole began his career in the Pharmaceutical industry. He worked for Sandoz Pharmaceuticals as a clinical research representative for 35 years.  After retiring he was active as a farmer in Fayette County, growing vegetables and maintaining a muscadine vineyard. He liked sharing his produce with anyone and everyone. He also enjoyed deer and duck hunting with family and friends on his farm and in Arkansas and Mississippi.

Mr. Cole just enjoyed people, and because of that we all laughed and said, “He never met a stranger”.

Mr. Cole and his late wife Madelyn Driver Cole traveled extensively in Europe, Russia, Central America and China.  During the last few years of his life, he was a member of the Westminster Sunday School Class at Independent Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Cole was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Madelyn Driver Cole; his brothers, Ben and Robert Cole; and sisters, Jewell Balch and Virginia Cole. He had a very close relationship with all of his siblings and their children.

Mr. Cole is survived by his three daughters, Beverly Hooker (Bill) of Cordova, Cindy Wilson (Ray) of Cordova and Patricia Hutchins (Carter) of Columbus, MS.

He was the proud grandfather of Jessica Orians (Sean), Joseph Hooker, Rachel Wilson, Rebekah McGaughey (Ryan), Ray Wilson Junior, John Wilson (Morgan), Amy Hutchins, Cindy Hutchins (Bryan) and Wiley Hutchins (Courtney). In later years, Mr. and Mrs. Cole were blessed with 10 great grandchildren.

The family is appreciative of the excellent care Mr. Cole received at the Gardens of Germantown, Methodist University Hospital and Allen Morgan Rehab.

There was a private burial service Thursday morning in Fayette County. A Memorial Service was held at 2 P.M. Thursday, June 28, 2018 at the Independent Presbyterian Church in Memphis with Rev. Mike Malone officiating. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes & Cremation Center - Main Chapel of Somerville.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers were Joseph Hooker, Wiley Hutchins, Ray Wilson, Jr., John Wilson, Sean Orians and Ryan McGaughey. Honorary pallbearers included Bryan Krutz.

The family suggests memorials may be sent to Independent Presbyterian Church , The Church Health Center or St. Jude Hospital for Children .

“As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.” Psalm 17:15