John "Tony" Anthony Cole

John “Tony” Anthony Cole, 79, of Fort Mill, formerly of Charlotte, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 following a heroic battle with COVID-19.

Tony was born on January 26, 1942 in Sweetwater, TN to the late Thanna Spurgeon Cole, Jr., and Esther Louise Howell. He retired from IBM where he worked as a field engineer for over 30 years.

Tony was an accomplished wood-turner, avid hot rodder, wonderful Grandfather, beloved husband and father. The loss of his generous spirit will be profoundly felt by his wife, family, church, community, and his beloved dog, Josie. His kindness has been an inspiration to the many people touched by his life.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, John Anthony Cole, Jr.

Tony leaves behind a legacy of love including his devoted wife of 59 years, Linda Smith Cole, children; Mark, Michael (Kris), Lisa and Ann (Allen), grandchildren; Patrick, Hayley, Rayne, Cecilia, Zane, Faith, Phoebe, Rebekah, Sarah, Della, Eli and Zoe. Also surviving are his siblings James Theodore Cole (Diane) and Dian Yost (Russel).

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Palmetto Funeral Home, Fort Mill.

A private funeral service to celebrate his life will be held by the immediate family on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Fort Mill Church of Nazarene. Interment will follow at Rock Hill Memorial Gardens, Rock Hill.

Those outside of the family who wish to celebrate his life are invited to join our service virtually by liking and following the Palmetto Funeral Group Facebook Page. The live stream will begin at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 31, 2021.

The family is eternally grateful for the loving care of the doctors and nurses at Presbyterian Hospital's Intensive Care Unit during Tony's brief illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fort Mill Church of Nazarene’s Building Fund, 109 Harris St, Fort Mill, SC 29715, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN.