Gale David Cole, Sr.

Gale David Cole, Sr. (Gale), 82, passed peacefully on Saturday, August 8, 2026 under the care of Pruitt Health Hospice of Swainsboro, GA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Beatrice Cole; his beloved wife of 51 years, Judy Elaine Sutton Cole; and his brothers James (Jimmy) Cole, Lynn Cole, and Ted Cole.

Gale is survived by his son, David Cole (Gina) of Twin City, GA; his daughters Kandace Kemp (Tony) of Gray, GA, and Mitzi Cole of Appleton, WI. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Sydnie Kemp Stackpole (Hagen) of Gray, GA; Sutton Kemp of Gray, GA; Tanner Groholski of Chicago, IL; and Gracie Groholski of Appleton, WI; as well as his great-granddaughter, Stella Stackpole.

He is also survived by his sisters Connie Fullam (Mert) of Vermont, Linda Tarbell (Raymond) of Vermont, and Lynnette Devereaux (Doug) of Vermont; his brother Jerry Cole (Gloria) of Vermont; his sisters-in-law Charla Cole of Louisville, GA, and Sharon Cole of Vermont, and Jenny Sowell of Gray, GA; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Gale proudly served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force from December 1962 to September 1966, followed by service in the Air Force Reserve from 1966 to 1968. His most notable assignments included serving as a NonMorse Interceptor Operator and a Voice Interceptor Analysis Specialist, roles in which he excelled with dedication and skill.

He was devoted to his wife Judy, the love of his life, with whom he shared more than five decades of marriage. Gale found joy in spending time with his family, tending to his garden, hunting, and cheering on the Atlanta Braves and University of Georgia Bulldogs. His presence, humor, and steady love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Graveside Service will be at Sim-Warren Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 10, 2026 with Mr. Tony Kemp officiating.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated nursing and CNA staff at Pruitt Health Nursing Home, as well as the compassionate nursing team of Pruitt Health Hospice of Swainsboro, for the exceptional care and kindness shown during Gale’s time with them.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Pruitt Health Hospice, 667 South Main St., Swainsboro, GA 30401.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Gale David Cole, Sr., 82, of Swainsboro.