Mr. Joseph Ray "Joe" Cole, age 82, of Chatsworth, Georgia, departed this life on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Advent Health Murray in Chatsworth, Georgia.

Joe was born January 9, 1943, in Tellico Plains, Tennessee. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After his service, he devoted many years to the Whitfield County School System, where he worked in the maintenance department until his retirement. He attended the Cherokee Valley Baptist Church in Ringgold, Georgia.

Joe was known for his big heart, quick wit, and unforgettable sense of humor. He loved to tell stories, entertain, and make people laugh. Whether sharing a joke, spinning a tall tale, or lighting up a room with his easy smile, Joe brought joy to everyone who knew him. Above all, he deeply loved his family, cherishing every moment spent with them. He was a loving husband and devoted father.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ledford Cole Leroy; brothers, Harold Cole and Howard Cole.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-four years, Wilma "Jody" Cole of the residence; son, Justin and Tina Cole of Chatsworth, GA; daughter, Jamie and Brian Newton of Dalton, GA; son, Ray Cole of Clifton, NY, son, Michael Cole of Dalton, GA; grandchildren, Hannah Cole and Cressa Blackburn; brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Helen Cole of Loudon, TN; sister-in-law, Jan Cole of Dayton, FL; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Marilyn and Wayne Murphy of Harrison, TN; Kathy Bean of Athens, TN, Anthony and Kelly Leroy of Birchwood, TN; best friends, George Stokes of Cleveland, TN, David Bell of Rocky Face, GA, and Mike Conry of Chattanooga, TN; and several nieces and nephews.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Joseph Ray "Joe" Cole will be held Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend Franky Ridley and Reverend Adam Harrison officiating. The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel after 5:00 p.m. on Thursday until the service hour.

He will be laid to rest Friday, October 31, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Druid Hills Baptist Church Cemetery in Tellico Plains, Tennessee.

Arrangements by Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA 30721, 706-226-4002.
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