Stephen Gore Cole

Stephen Gore Cole, a resident of Abbeville, died early Monday night, Oct. 1, 2007, in a Dothan hospital. He was 56. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007, in the Holman-Headland Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Charles Goldsmith officiating. Graveside services, with military rites, will follow in the Cedar Grove Baptist Cemetery, near Midland City. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday at the mortuary in Headland. At other times, the family will be at the home of a brother, the Rev. Benny Cole, 79 Huey St., Midland City. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Grove Baptist Cemetery Fund, c/o Riley Barnes, 2797 County Road 14, Midland City, AL 36350, or to Wiregrass Hospice, Inc., P.O. Drawer 2127, Dothan, AL 36302. Mr. Cole was born in Conway, S.C.,a but was reared in Fort Myers, Fla., and Tuscon, Ariz. He lived in Eufaula before moving to Abbeville. Mr. Cole served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict. He later served in the U.S. Navy for several years. While serving his country in the military, Mr. Cole received the Bronze Star Medal, Battle "E" Ribbon, Sea Service Ribbon, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was formerly employed by Overnite Express as an Auto Parts Specialist. Mr. Cole was a member of the 22nd Street Baptist Church in Tuscon, Ariz. He was preceded in death by his father, Stamps Carter, and his mother, Martha Gore Cole. Surviving relatives include a daughter, Crystal Cole, Chicago, Ill.; a son, Donny Stephen Cole, Las Vegas, Nev.; his step-father, Daniel W. Cole, Marianna, Fla.; a sister, Dana Cutts and husband Tim Cutts, Marianna, Fla.; two brothers, the Rev. Benny Cole and wife Donna Cole, Midland City, Frank Cole and wife Frances Cole, Chattanooga, Tenn.; two grandchildren, Jordan Cole and Nelson Cole; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Holman-Headland Mortuary, (334) 693-3371, is in charge of arrangements.