Billy Cole

Billy Charles Cole, 91, of Abilene, passed away on May 11, 2024 at Hendrick Hospice Care in Abilene.

 Visitation and viewing will be from 9 a.m. until 12 noon on May 25, 2024 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on May 25, 2024 at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 US 277 in Abilene with Rev. Danny Johnson of The Lighthouse United Pentecostal Church of West Columbia, Texas officiating.

 Billy was born March 13, 1933 in Abilene to Frank Gilmer and Nora Lee Claxton Cole. He was a 1951 graduate of Abilene High School and attended Abilene Christian University. He married Norma Jean Hall on June 25, 1955. He worked in radio broadcasting for many years, including KSTA in Coleman, KDWT in Stamford, KBWD and KEAN in Brownwood, KNEL in Brady, KERB in Kermit, KVKM in Monahans and KCOM in Comanche. Following his radio career, he worked at The Lowe’s Home Improvement Center on Ridgemont Drive in Abilene, finally retiring in 2022 at age 89. He was a Christian, and enjoyed stamp collecting, southern gospel and classic country music, and old movies and TV shows.

 He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Norma Jean Hall Cole, his parents, Frank Gilmer and Nora Claxton Cole, his sister Betty Joyce Connel, and a son Claxton Dale Cole.   

 He is survived by three sons, Billy Randall Cole and wife Paula of Pecos,

Gregory Lynn Cole and wife Kim of Waxahachie, and, Charles Brendon Cole and wife Natalie of Midland. A daughter in law, Lori Cole of Friendswood.

 4 grandchildren:

Christy and husband Hilbert Martinez of Pecos

John R. Cole and wife Sarai of Pecos

John M. Cole and wife Jenna of San Antonio

And, Carissa and husband Thad Mora of Midland

 14 great-grandchildren:

Zackery Renshaw, Nathan Martinez, Kayla Martinez

Catherine Cole, John R. Cole Jr.

Abigail Cole, Sadie Cole, Jax Cole, Ambrose Cole, Philomena Cole, Felicity Cole, Charlotte Cole

Bristol Mora and Dayton Mora

 8 great-great grandchildren:

Kinsley Renshaw and Leighton Renshaw

Preston Martinez, Kylie Marinez, and Reagan Martinez

Braiden Cobos, Caleb Cobos, and Zaiden Cobos

 And, his very special companion, his little dog “Punkin”. 

 Nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

 Memorials may be given to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1651 Pine Street, Abilene, TX 79601.

 The family of Billy Charles Cole wishes to thank the staff at Hendrick North Hospital and The Hendrick Hospice Care in Abilene for the excellent care you provided him during his final days. We sincerely appreciate each of you. The family would also like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to his wonderful neighbors Dave and Chris Hobbs, for the friendship and loving care they provided our Dad through the years.