William Melville “Shag” Cole
April 14, 2020
Interment Location: Christus Garden
Melville retired from Raytheon after a lengthy career in electrical engineering, and was known to everyone as a handyman. After retirement, he set out to become a master fudge maker and shared the delicious results with everyone. Shag loved to follow the Unaka Rangers and was a life-long fan attending every game, and also never missed watching every St Louis Cardinals game, his second passion. He and Jane also loved to go fishing, camping, and raise a beautiful garden. He was a Christian and loved the Lord, and was a charter member of Unaka Baptist Church in 1955. He was most recently a devoted member of First Baptist Church, Elizabethton, and had a special bond with his Sunday School Class members.
He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Jane Slemp Cole; two daughters, Vickie (Harry) and Retha (Keith); two grandchildren, Luke and Laura Patton; and several nieces and nephews including Marilyn Taylor, Marvin Garland and Kenneth Pierce.
Friends may visit between the hours of 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Friday, April 17, 2020 at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton to pay their respect and sign the register book. The family will not be present during the visitation hours.
Due to the present Covid-19 restrictions, a private graveside service will be conducted at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Pastor Todd Hallman, officiating.
The family requests that no flowers be sent, rather donations be sent to the First Baptist Church Senior Bus Fund, 212 East F. Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Sycamore Shoals Hospital for the excellent care shown to Mr. Cole.
Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com
Mr. Cole and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office 423-542-2232, service information line, 423-543-4917.
