Jerry Randolph Cole

Jerry Randolph Cole of Tyler, Texas, passed away on April 15, 2025, at the age of 83 at his home in Tyler, Texas. Born in Selman City, Texas on August 16, 1941, Jerry was the youngest child of Hiram and Melba Cole. He lived his life according to the golden rule and prioritized his family above all else. He spent 59 years with the love of his life, Linda, never failing to express his deep devotion and gratitude to her for the wonderful life they spent together. Jerry is survived by his wife, Linda Long Cole, son and daughter-in-law, Michele and Doug Cole, daughter and son-in-law, Christi and Fred Khalaf, grandchildren Mallory Cole, Jacob Cole, Caroline Khalaf and Catelin Khalaf, sister-in-law, Lyn Haney Long and his beloved Poodle, Noel. Additionally, Jerry has numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews that he loved dearly. Jerry graduated from Arp High School in 1959, where he played basketball and was active in Boy Scouts. In 1963, he graduated from North Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in business. Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and spent the next 2 years in Schweinfurt, Germany. After returning from active duty, he married his high school sweetheart and joined his father and brother in their family business, Cole Electronics, where he was employed until 1986. He then opened Cole Cellular and was active in that business until 2019. His life and legacy truly began when he married Linda on October 30, 1965, and moved to Tyler. Jerry and Linda met as teenagers at the Overton Community Swimming Pool, where she worked at the snack bar while he showed off for her on the diving board. Their 59-year union produced two children and four grandchildren, all of which Jerry considered his greatest gifts. Jerry loved his community, serving on numerous boards including the Tyler Rose Museum, Smith County Crimestoppers and Ebenezer Cemetery in Arp, Texas. He was a founding member of the Chuckwagon Gang, a group supporting the American Cancer Society Cattle Baron’s Gala and also served as the President of the Tyler Strutters in 1984. He was a member of Green Acres Baptist Church. He never met a stranger, but regularly had trouble with names, fondly referring to many acquaintances as “old what’s his name”. Jerry was an amateur documentarian, wagging around a Betamax, VHS or Super8 video camera throughout the lives of Christi and Doug, capturing literally every important event and memory for his children and all of their friends. He was beloved by all of these friends who fondly called him “JC”. He gave amazing hugs, had a fun-loving spirit, and was definitely the gold standard of fathers. Jerry loved to quail hunt in Central Texas with family and friends and loved playing golf at Briarwood and Cascades Country Clubs, where he was a long-time member. A committed family man, Jerry was deeply loyal to his wife, his children, and especially his four grandchildren. He spent countless hours teaching, coaching, playing, and instilling his gentle and loving character in each of them. He was a constant at every event from All Saints soccer games to Tyler Legacy golf tournaments to Whitehouse Wildcat volleyball games. He was a lifelong fan of the Arp Tigers and the Dallas Cowboys. Jerry also had a strong bond with his great uncle, Edward Cole of Nacogdoches, with whom he spent many hours cheering on the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and traveling the world. He loved his country and adored animals, especially his poodles that were always found sitting in his lap in his recliner. To know Jerry was to love Jerry. His legacy lives on in the wisdom he shared, the hands he held, and the numerous lives he impacted. He was truly one of a kind and he will be dearly missed by so many. Pallbearers will be Jacob Cole, Fred Khalaf, Judd Long, Chris Nickens, Greg Smith, and Jim York. Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Boshears, Steve Hardy, Chris Jones, Judson Long, David Melton, Keir Orr, Ted Roberts, and Walter Smith. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 22nd from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. at Stewart Family Funeral Home at 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway in Tyler with Rev. David Luckenbach officiating. A private family burial will take place after the service at Ebenezer Cemetery in Arp, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Jerry’s favorites -- Pets Fur People (petsfurpeople.org) or Tunnel 2 Towers (t2t.org).

Jerry Randolph Cole

August 16, 1941 - April 15, 2025