Billy Joe Cole

Services for Billy J. Cole will be held Wednesday at 1:30 P.M. in the Lloyd James Funeral Home Chapel, under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home. Burial will be in a family plot in Ridgecrest, California on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 3:00 P.M. under the direction of Holland Lyons Funeral Home.

Billy went home to his Lord and Savior on October 7, 2011. He passed away at home surrounded by family and friends. He was born September 15, 1945 to Lena Brooks and Joe Cole.

After childhood, Billy enjoyed a distinguished career as a “Green Beret” in the United States Special Forces. He was assigned as an Explosive/Demolition specialist to numerous “A-Teams” during his career while assigned to the 5th Special Forces group in Vietnam. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his actions. He was a military parachutist and a military free-fall parachutist and possessed a language proficiency in five foreign languages.

Billy was married to his wife Joyce on February 16, 1980. They have lived in Hawkins, Texas for the past 17 years. Billy was employed at Hibbs-Hallmark & Company in Tyler until his untimely death.

Young Boy Scouts promise to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, courteous, kind, friendly, obedient, thrifty, cheerful, brave, clean and reverant. Additionally they pledge to keep themselves physically fit, mentally strong and morally straight. Each of these attributes describe Billy J. Cole perfectly throw in “Humble” as well. Most who knew him did not know of his fearless battlefield accomplishments and heroics in his civilian career. He was a hero of a different sort. He was a mentor and confidant to many. He was always part of the solution. His depth and breath of knowledge was amazing. He treated everyone with respect. He never demanded the respect of anyone, instead he commanded everyone’s respect by his approach and demeanor. Succinctly stated He was admired and loved by all who knew him and worked with him.

Billy is survived by his loving wife Joyce, children Patricia A. Tani, Pamela Johnson, Angela L. Ripley and Husband Dana, Andrea L. Flores and husband Richard, Tanner Cole and wife Kimberly. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Billy Joe Tani, Daniel Johnson, Courtney R. Tani, Cody B. Flores, Ryan Ripley, Kenneth “Cole” Flores, Lucas C. Flores, Ethan Cole and Renee Ripley. He is also survived by a sister Mary Ellen Flaherty and a brother George McDowell.

The family requests that donations in lieu of flowers be made to Beacon Hospice at Margaret’s House in Longview, Texas. In addition the family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Schottstaedt, Irene rice, Stephanie Wilson and staff and the entire Hibbs-Hallmark Corporate family of employees.

Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Tuesday at Lloyd James Funeral Home