Thomas Cole

Mr. Thomas Grant Cole, 76, died in Asheville on December 26th, 2023. He was born at Biltmore Hospital in Asheville, NC on January 12th,1947, to parents Thomas “TC” Cole and Jean Grahl Cole. Tom was raised in Asheville, graduating from Lee Edwards High School in 1965, and Mars Hill College in 1969.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years Carolyn Cole of Fletcher, sons Ted Cole of Fletcher and Travis Cole of Citrus Heights, California, his mother Jean Cole of Asheville, brother Ron Cole of Asheville, and granddaughter Fraya Cole of Asheville.

Tom loved, studied, and taught history his whole life. A 31- year educator in Asheville City Schools and Henderson County Public Schools, Tom poured his working life into the teaching of middle school and junior high history, English, and social studies, inspiring students with not only his illustrative stories but with an observant personal approach to each student. At Rugby Middle School, he chaperoned the annual mountains to the sea eighth grade bus trip to the North Carolina historical coast.

He was also an avid historical aviation photographer, having dozens of articles and photos published in the Experimental Aircraft Association’s “Warbirds” magazine. In this pursuit, Tom volunteered his personal time traveling across the country to many historical airshows, veterans reunions, and air museums in order to document the rare aircraft that helped the United States win the skies in World War II. He collected the signatures of hundreds of ace fighter pilots who served in the second world war. He also pursued World War II era historical reenacting with his longtime friend, Ken Dawson of Winston Salem, NC.

Tom was a loving son to his mother, visiting her and taking care of her even while he required his own care. Tom was a dedicated husband to his wife, and a caring and loving father to his two boys. Tom was a great dad. He always tried to do what was right and honest and showed love readily. He was full of smiles, antics, eccentricity, and fun facts.

Tom loved to sing. He was a powerful and melodic tenor who sang with the local cover band the Jesters in the late 60s. He sang in every church choir in every church he attended as well as the Fletcher Community Choir.

Tom loved to be helpful through service to other people. After retiring from the school system, he got a job at the Givens Estates as the senior activities coordinator and bus driver, working with senior residences to do fun and enriching activities. Recognized by many of his former students at many places he went in his senior years, he also pursued an active volunteer and social life through the MRLEC group for seniors at Mills River United Methodist. Tom was beloved by many members of our community.

The family will receive visitors on Monday, January 1, 2024 at 6PM until 7PM at Mills River United Methodist Church. The service in celebration of Tom’s life will be held at Mills River United Methodist Church on January 2, 2024, at 2 PM with Pastor Gerald Davis officiating.

Tom’s ashes will be privately interred at Riverside Cemetery in Asheville, North Carolina alongside family at a later date. The family requests all memorials and donations be sent to Mills River Life Enrichment Center at Mills River United Methodist Church at 137 Old Turnpike Road, Mills River, NC 28759.