Obituary
Harold “Skip” Cole, Jr., 86, son of the late Harold Lewis Cole, Sr. and Eleanor White Cole, was born Nov. 17, 1936 in Oneonta, N.Y., Skip spent much of his life in the Richmond, VA area prior to residing in New Smyrna Beach, FL – Skip passed away on March 6, 2023 at Halifax Health – Hospice Edgewater, from the effects of Lewy Body Dementia. In addition to his parents, Skip is preceded in death by his son, Harold Lewis Cole, III (Heather)
He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Judith Ann Cole of New Smyrna Beach; his brother, John Cole (Donna) of Ogunquit, ME and his children: Katherine Cole Rushin, Thomas Cole (Lisa), and Andrew Cole (Tanya), all of the Richmond, VA area, and stepchildren Michelle Ingram (Todd) and Michael Bailey (Penny). He is also survived by the mother of his children, Katherine Cole.
Skip’s grandchildren include Katherine Rushin, Thomas Cole-Diamond, Jr. (Ryan), Emmett Rushin IV, Geoffrey Cole, Greyson Cole, Sarah Cate (Jackson) and Landon Cole. Step-grandchildren include Allison Ingram, Koral Bailey, Hayden Bailey, Keaton Bailey, Harper Bailey, Hayden Smith and Carthan Smith. He was a great-grandfather to Miles Cate, Demi Cole-Diamond, Benjamin Cole-Diamond and Lily Marie Cate. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Skip graduated from Midlothian High School 1956(VA), and went on to graduate from Mitchell College 1958 in New London, CT, where he later served on the Board of Trustees. He was VP of sales of Truxmore Industries, Inc., Regional Sales Mgr. of PAK-MOR Manufacturing Co. He was a member of the National Waste & Recycling, Member of VA Power Boat Club Association, Masonic Lodge, Richmond Colon Club, Salisbury Country Club, Willow Oaks Country Club, Bull and Bear Club, Wally Groom Boys Night Out, Past Pres. of the Bachelors Club, Past Pres. of Pagehurst Condo Assoc. Upon relocating to New Smyrna Beach FL Skip became a Realtor Associate with Ocean Properties, member of Volusia County Board of Realtors, he served as a member of the Anglers Yacht Club, member of the Smyrna Yacht Club, Past Pres. of Ocean Walk Condo Assoc. Bldg.7, member of Ocean Walk Hidden Lakes Casual Golf, and member of St. Peter the Fisherman Episcopal Church.
Skip NEVER missed a party! He truly enjoyed keeping in touch with family and friends and orchestrated numerous events. For many years Truxmore Industries was a NASCAR sponsor for #90 and Skip attended almost all of the Daytona 500 races. His enjoyments were traveling, dancing, walks on the beach, antiquing, genealogy, biking and kayaking. Plus he was an avid Fox News follower.
A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, April 22, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter the Fisherman Episcopal Church, 4220 Saxon Drive, New Smyrna Beach, Florida. For those unable to attend in person we invite you to join services via livestream at https://live.sptfnsb.org/. An additional service will be held at Manakin Episcopal Church, 985 Huguenot Trail, Midlothian, VA. on September 16, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers the family would be grateful for contributions in Skip’s name to Barnabas Ministries of Central Florida, 826 E. 23rd Ave., New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32169, St. Peter the Fisherman, 4220 Saxon Dr., New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32169 and Halifax Health – Hospice, Southeast Care Center, 4140 Ridgewood Ave., Edgewater, Florida 32141.
My favorite photo of Skip and Judy.