Sherry Milton Cole Sr.

Our beloved Papa, Sherry Cole, Sr., born on June 10, 1926, passed away at his home in Hixson, TN on May 9, 2025, at the age of 98. His family was the most important thing in his life. He is survived by his children: Sherry (Dianne) Cole, Dianne (JW, deceased) Lawson, Randi (Vickie) Cole, Michael Cole, Candi Howard, and stepdaughter Pat (Charlie) Kennedy, his brother, Lamar (Florence) Cole of Valdosta, GA, 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and his best little furry friend Rusty. He was preceded in death by the mother of his children and his wife of 42 years, Betty Jean Kirk Cole, his beloved second wife of 25 years, Lois Irene Cole, his parents Henry and Viva Cole, and his granddaughter, Donna Redwine Watson. A Dalton native, he was born and raised on N Glenwood Ave and could even recall when Glenwood Ave was first paved. He lived through many momentous events: going to the Chicago World Fair in 1933, attending President FDR’s dedication of the Chickamauga Dam in 1940 and serving in the Navy from 1943 to 1945. His education had a less than diligent beginning- he played hooky from Fort Hill Elementary School on the first day of 3rd grade- but he went on to earn his B.S. degree in Education from the University of Georgia and a Graduate degree from Mercer. Throughout his life, he was an active member of his community; he was an educator, coach, bus driver and administrator for Whitfield County Schools, a manager at Gibson’s Discount Center, an Assistant Whitfield County Road Commissioner, the owner of the Harrison Food Market, and the owner of the Hour Place Restaurant in the Whitehall Medical Building. His hobbies included antiquing, fishing, hunting, golfing, and playing poker. He once told a doctor his other hobby was lying, especially as related to poker and fishing, but he was a wonderful teller of tall tales, in the best sense. He never met a stranger and always remembered a face. During his retirement he made many dear friends at the Hickory Nut Cove RV campground in Hiawasee, GA. There will be no visitation. The family will have a private inurnment. A celebration of life will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity. Visit the online obituary www.dalton-funeral-home.com to post tributes and share memories. Arrangements have been entrusted to independently owned and operated Dalton Funeral Home, 620 S. Glenwood Avenue, Dalton, GA 30721.

Sherry Milton Cole Sr.

June 10, 1926 - May 9, 2025