Ronald "Ron" Larry Cole

Ronald Larry Cole, 81, passed away December 30, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife, Martha Savedge Cole. Also survived by daughters, Jennifer Cole Clark, and husband Brax Clark, of Gulfport, MS, and Kathryn Cole Brasher, and husband Kris Brasher, of Coffeeville, MS and five grandchildren, Cook and Caroline Clark, and Cooper, Caleb, and Colby Brasher.

Also survived by brother, Don Ackermann Cole, and wife Nancy Ackermann Cole, of Asheville, NC, and stepson Eugene S. Flanagin, of Statesboro, GA. Predeceased by his parents, Thelma and Henry Cole, brother Buddy Cole and sister Patsy Cole.

Ron graduated from the High School of Charleston, Class of 1961, and entered into the United States Air Force. He served in Japan, Korea, Vietnam (two tours), Thailand, England, Germany, Taiwan, and several bases within the United States. The last several years of his military career were spent at Keester Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS, as a master instructor on C-130 aircraft.

During his 21 year career in the Air Force, he supported coverage of NASA activities, Airborne early warnings, reconnaissance photography of South American drug cartels, and did weather reconnaissance flying with the Hurricane Hunters.

While in the Air Force, Ron obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. He retired as a Master Sergeant. He then began a teaching career. He taught mathematics and electronics at Phillips College in Gulfport, MS. During this time, he earned his Masters Degree. He became department chair of the computer science and electronics departments at Phillips. He helped many people obtain superior job placement.

After ten years of teaching, he became a realtor. He and two partners opened a Century 21 franchise in Gulfport, as the gaming industry moved into the area.

In the mid 1990s, Ron returned to his hometown, Charleston, SC. He was a broker with Waterfront Properties, until he retired, due to health reasons.

Ron's faith was important to him. He was an active member and officer in Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church, and previously St. Barnabas Lutheran Church.

He sang with The Charleston Men's Chorus for over twenty years, which he loved. He was in the Washington Light Infantry, German Friendly Society, Arion Society, Quis Qui, and several other organizations.

He was outgoing and had many friends. Throughout his numerous health problems, he was brave and determined. He will be remembered for his kindness and generosity.

Services will be held at Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church, 302 Hibben St., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 10:00 am. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel, 1494 Mathis Ferry Rd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. Burial with military honors will be Monday, January 13, 2025 at 11:00 am in Beaufort National Cemetery.

Memorials in his name may be made to Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.

A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.