Charles Joseph Cole, Jr.

Charles Joseph Cole Jr, affectionately known as ‘Chuck’ and ‘Poppy’ to his family and friends, was called from labor to reward to his heavenly home in the early hours of April 10th, 2023, peacefully at home in Lithonia , GA. He was born on December 12,1942 in Baltimore, MD to the late Mr Charles J Cole Sr and Edith Young Cole. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age at Emmanuel Christian Community Church, where he also served in the Sanctuary Choir and many other leadership roles. He followed in the footsteps of his father and mother who faithfully served the ECCC family until their call home to glory. Chuck met the Love of His Life, Alma Macina Mack, while in High School. Alma attended and graduated from all female Eastern High School in Baltimore , Md, and Chuck graduated from Baltimore City College, the all-male brother school of Eastern. They married on October 28th, 1961. After high school, Chuck joined the Army. He was a decorated hero of the Vietnam Conflict and a member of both the 82nd Airborne Division, and the 173rd Infantry (Third Herd). He received The Bronze Star, The AIR Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and the Army Commendation Medal for his bravery. He received his Honorable Discharge in October 1976 after spending 15 years in service to our country. He was a proud Vet, and wore his Army hats and decked out his cars, vans and home with Army regalia. After returning home from Vietnam, Chuck worked along side his father at Bethlehem Steel. He then worked at the Baltimore City Jail as a guard. He felt the continual tug to protect and serve and enrolled in the Baltimore City Police Academy and rose to the ranks of Sargent on the force. Chuck was forced into disability retirement from an injury suffered while on duty. Charles was a devoted father and leaves to mourn his beloved wife Alma and his 3 sons, Charles Delvon Cole Sr (Andria), Dwayne Andre Cole (Natalie), and Kevin Maurice Cole (Terry). He is affectionately known as ‘Poppy’ to his 10 Grand Children and 10 Great Grand Children: Meagan Craig (Terrence) , Brittany Bush (Dominic), Chris Cole (Triven), Lauren Cole, Devin Cole, Blair Cole, Briahna Wicker (Carlton), Charles Delvon Cole Jr, Bryan Cole, and Tyrese Barrett. There are 10 Great Grandchildren (Kennedy, Ada, Emery, Emory, Harper, Royale, Kamille, Malachi, Blessyn, Legend, Khalil, and one on the way). He is also survived by his sister Patricia Cole, sisters in-law, Wilhelmina Wright and Elaine Jewell (Rogers) his best friend Wesley ‘Bunky’ Johnson, and a host of nieces, a nephew, relatives, and friends.

Tributes

Charles Joseph Cole, Jr.

December 12, 1942 - April 10, 2023