Charles "Charlie" Cole passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024, after a long battle with illness. He passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 64 years, Lou (Lulie Belle), his two sons, Charles "Chuck" Cole of Garden City, MI, and Stan (Andrea) Cole of Plymouth, MI, and his loving granddaughter, Sydney Cole of Plymouth.

He is also survived by his sister, Esta Cottrell, and his wonderful nephews and nieces.

He was the son of the late James Cole and Bertha Tackett Cole. He was also preceded in death by his brother Cecil (Pat) Cole and his sister Marie Cole Woodrum (Don).

Charlie grew up in Printer (Frog Town), Kentucky. He was the valedictorian at Martin High School class of 1958, where he met his bride of 64 years. After graduating from high school, Charlie was drafted into the Army, where he was stationed at Fort Knox.  After he left the army, Charlie and Lou moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan, where he was employed at the General Motors Willow Run plant for 36 years, where he made many good friends. He was a long-standing member of the UAW Local 1776.

Charlie had many wonderful memories of his friends and family and reminisced about them frequently.

Charlie was known for his great sense of humor and was always joking and fun to be around.

Charlie was a great father and enjoyed coaching his sons basketball and baseball teams. He enjoyed fishing, restoring antique cars, and going to car shows with his sons. He and Lou also enjoyed camping with his sons and visiting family in Kentucky. Charlie was a lifelong University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fan and rarely missed watching a game.

Charlie was a loving and proud grandfather who enjoyed attending his granddaughter Sydney's dance recitals, sporting events, and every school event that he was able to attend.

Charlie was a hard worker and was very proud of his family. Charlie will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A visitation will be held 4-8 pm Tuesday, January 23, 2024, and 2-8 pm Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Stark Funeral Professionals. A funeral service will be held 11 am Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Stark Funeral Professionals. Charles will be laid to rest in Highland Cemetery, Ypsilanti, MI.