Ret. Lcdr William F. "Bill" Cole

FORT MEADE - Ret. LCDR William F. "Bill" Cole, 84, passed away Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014. Bill was born in Westbrook, Maine on January 11, 1930 and moved to Fort Meade 25 years ago after serving his country for many years. He was a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander and Vietnam War Veteran. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1948 and served through 1970, then re-enlisted in 1980 serving another two years. As missions work was a very important part of Bill's life, after his retirement from the military, he and his wife traveled the United States working with the Roving Volunteers in Christ Service for 16 years. Bill was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Fort Meade, FL where he was a former Chancel Choir member, Sunday School teacher, and very involved in the Walk to Emmaus. He also served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church before moving to Fort Meade and taught Junior ROTC in Headland, AL. Bill was a member of the Oakview Lakes Kitchen Band and the Fort Meade American Legion, Post #23, Fort Meade. Bill was preceded in death by his son, John David Cole and brother, Paul Cole. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Jean R. Cole, Fort Meade, FL; sons, Bill Cole, Wilmington, NC and Larry Cole, Newton, AL; daughter, Karen McWhorter, Columbus, OH; brothers, Bob Cole, Jennings, FL, Raymond Cole, Westbrook, Maine; sisters, Esther McDowell, Winslow, Maine, Frances Estes, Windham, Maine and Mary Stevens, Westbrook, Maine; six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, Feb. 14th, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church, Fort Meade with Rev. Vince Price officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to the First United Methodist Church - Costa Rica Missions Fund, 135 East Broadway, Fort Meade, FL 33841 or to Good Shepherd Hospice, 1110 Hammock Road, Sebring, FL 33870. Hancock Funeral Home, Fort Meade, FL 33841