Thomas J. Cole
March 24, 1933 ~ June 13, 2022
Born in:
Greenville, SC
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville – Thomas “T.J.” Cole, 89, of Asheville, died Monday, June 13, 2022 at Mission Hospital.
T.J. was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. After graduating from high school, he attended Furman University where he received his BA in Voice. He then received his Masters in Music Theory from The Eastman School of Music and then continued his studies in Vocal Pedagogy at Indiana University.
He taught at Mars Hill University, Winthrop University and Western Carolina University before moving to Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. to teach at Broward College where he retired after 35 years. Also during this time, he was a choral director and performer at various churches and community choirs.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marlene Evans Cole; two daughters, Kirsten Fuchs (Michael) of Fletcher and Ingrid Cole of Arden; one son, Thomas J. Cole, Jr. (Heidi) of Mills River as well as seven grandchildren, Brandt, Kaitlyn, Haley, JoAnna, Brielle, Zoey and Josh.
A service celebrating T.J.’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Asheville.
In lieu of flowers, the family graciously asks that you consider making a contribution to https://www.academyforthearts.org
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
Services
Celebration of Life: June 16, 2022 11:00 am
First Baptist Church of Asheville
5 Oak Street
Asheville, NC 28801
252-4781
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I am so sorry to hear of T. J.’s passing. He was such a wonderful person and had a very positive impact on my life. So many happy memories of our times together at BCC and at First Presbyterian. He will be a great addition to the heavenly choir. No doubt God needed a good tenor there!
We never met. However, I knew of you through Jennifer Cole. She loved you dearly, and I have no doubt she greeted you, ready with a duet or six in hand. Sing well on high, sir!! The music will continue here in your honor.
We have lost a talented musician, a man with a heart full of love, and a dear friend. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a valued addition to any group.
I will miss his hugs and Ronnie is distraught to lose his Bench Buddy. But there is a joyous new voice in that glorious choir in Heaven. Bless you, Sweet TJ.
Love to Marleen and his beloved family,
Ron and Billie
We celebrate the life and music legacy of our dear friend and professor, THIMAS JOSHUA COLE.
We also continue to hold dear his wife and Mars Hill Univ. Classmate, MARLENE EVANS COLE.
Our deepest condolences to your entire family.
Mr. Cole was a very sweet gentleman. Sending your whole family my love. Sending you lots of energy, strength and peace.
So very sorry for the families loss..🙏🙏 my prayers are with you all..
Thoughts and prayers, dear Kirsten, for you and your family as you grieve the passing of your beloved father.
Shannon and Joe Ward
Our love to Marlene and the entire family. TJ was a remarkable person. He’ll certainly be missed.
Dear Marlene & Family,
I always loved and respected T.J. and I learned a lot from him. I always admired his musicianship, patience, kindness and wonderful sense of humor. My love and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
I’m so sorry to learn of the passing of Mr. Cole and will keep all of his family and loved ones in my Prayers.
Memories will live on.
TJ was always so kind to our family and never left without a joke. We would ask for a song and he would graciously entertain us every time.
What love he had for his family and talent he gave to the world.
Our love and prayers are with Marlene, Kirsten, Ingrid and Tom.