James Robert "Bob" Cole, Sr.

James Robert “Bob” Cole, Sr. of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024. He was the son of the late Fleming Fleetwood Cole and Ellen Jackson Cole, and the husband of Barbara Martin Cole for 70 years.

Bob was born on September 25, 1931, in Charleston, South Carolina. He was a graduate of Furman University and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He pursued his career in the Ministry of the Gospel as Pastor in local Baptist Churches in South Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland. He also served as Director of Missions in Lynchburg, Virginia, and as interim Director of Missions in Idaho.

He was a member of Rustburg Baptist Church and enjoyed working with his hands through woodworking and fixing things around the home. He loved traveling and enjoyed camping in his earlier years. He enjoyed sports with an avid spirit of competitiveness.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Martin Cole; five children, James Robert Cole, Jr. (Michele), William Richard Cole (Lydia), Barbara Jean Turner (Gary); David Phillip Cole (Karen); and Phyllis Cole Warrick (Dave); eleven grandchildren, Lisa Jefferson, Michael Turner, Scott Turner, Erica Pena, Richard Cole, Ashley Bryant, Lauren Peters, Bobby Cole, Austin Cole, Emily Hudson, and Krista Cole; and seventeen great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his four siblings, Gladys Thomas, Doris Marden, Clayton Cole and Mildred Munn.

A Memorial Service will be held at Rustburg Baptist Church, Rustburg, Virginia, on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Family will receive guests following the service.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at The Point Hope Church, 3404 Turgot Lane, Mt Pleasant, South Carolina 29466. Family will receive guests following the service.

In lieu of flowers; contributions may be made to Rustburg Baptist Church with a designation for "Missions".

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg is assisting the family. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com