Larry Cole's Obituary
Larry Vernon "Skip" Cole passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 13, 2016 with his family by his side after an extended illness at Huntersville Oaks in Huntersville, NC. He was born in Walnut Ridge, AR on May 1, 1937 and moved to Rockford, IL as a young boy, where he spent most of his life. In 2003, he moved to Huntersville, NC to be close to his family.
He was married to his lifelong sweetheart Geneva Joyce Smith on January 15, 1956; they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with their family and friends. During his life, Skip was a man of many talents. He was an accomplished saxophonist and sang bass for many years in “The Varitones” a gospel quartet. He was an award-winning wood carver and a talented painter.
He was never without a story or joke, and delighted in the laughter of others. He had a robust and varied career, working as a police officer, salesman, and business owner. In recent years, he enjoyed spending time with his family, including his four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was a devoted member of the Church of Christ, serving as a member of the Board of Directors at Rockford Christian Camp in Rockford, IL. During his time as a “Tarheel”, he was a member of Lake Norman Church of Christ.
He is preceded in death by his parents Don and Pauline Cole, his brother John Thomas "Happy" Cole, and his sister Bettye (Mrs. Vernon) Ray.
Skip is survived by his wife Geneva; his children Greg (Patty) of Harrisburg, NC; Karen of Huntersville, NC; and Zachary (Wendy) of Loveland, CO; his grandchildren Matthew (Ellen) of Concord, NC; Joshua (Corley) of Matthews, NC; Adam (Moranda) of Hendersonville, NC; and Jacob (Sara) of Charlotte, NC; and the recent joys of his life his great-grandchildren Henry and Winnie.
A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 6:00 PM at Lake Norman Church of Christ, 17634 Caldwell Station Rd. Huntersville, NC 28078.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to Rockford Christian Camp at PO Box 5966, Rockford, IL 61125.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and staff at Huntersville Oaks for the exceptional care, love, and friendship given to Skip and Geneva over the years.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family. www.jamesfuneralhomeLKN.com
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