Charlie Lee Cole

Charlie Lee Cole was born in Washington County, Virginia, to William Benjamin Cole and Bertha Fields Cole. He told the story that in his early years, his birthday was celebrated on July 18th, but eventually they discovered that he had been born July 5th, and his birthdate "changed". He grew up during a difficult time economically and recalls his father working very hard for very little. His mother passed before his 7th birthday, and his grandfather a few days later. His grandmother (whom he recalled as a petite lady - while holding out his arm and demonstrating she could fit under his arm by his side) moved into their small home to take care of Charlie and his 2 sisters (Katie and Nellie) for a time. He spoke fondly of his grandmother working in the garden and doing chores, singing old hymns and songs loudly. He also recalled her singing the whole way to and from church as they walked a couple miles for services. Eventually, his father remarried - a lovely woman named Allie, who helped raise Charlie and his sisters. At the age of 20, Charlie met Irene Powers. One of his favorite tales in his final years was of how he swept Irene away to run off and get married one day in 1956, much to the surprise and chagrin of his new father-in-law. They lived in Virginia, Maryland, and eventually Florida during their years together. Three children were added to their family - Sylvia, Charlie Jr., and Kathey. Charlie began working for the City of Leesburg where he moved through the ranks to be a supervisor for the Waste Water Treatment Plant. He worked for the city for 34.5 years. During those years, he developed a hobby of racing cars - or rather, building and fixing race cars that other people would drive for him. He became quite adept at building cars to race on dirt tracks around Florida, winning several of the races and a championship they participated in. After 50 years together, his Irene passed away in 2006. Several years later, he met Dot Beck (widowed), whom he pursued and married in 2008. During that time, he also met Jesus and found a home church at Calvary Baptist Church in Fruitland Park. Charlie finished his journey in this world on December 26, 2024, after 11 months on hospice care. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Cole, Bertha Cole, and Allie Cole; siblings, Katie and Nellie; wives, Mable Irene Powers Cole, and Doris Beck-Cole; son, Charlie Cole Jr. He is survived by his daughters, Sylvia (Rick) Storman and Kathey (Harold) Maelick; 5 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held on Monday, January 15, 1:00 PM at Shiloh Cemetery in Fruitland Park, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Harry Hines Hospice (Wichita KS). Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Leesburg, Florida.

Charlie Lee Cole

July 5, 1935 - December 26, 2023