William D. "Bill" Cole, 85, of Pensacola, FL, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 19, 2025, after a brave and courageous nineteen-year battle with Pancreatic Cancer.

He was born in Fernbank, AL, on August 30, 1939, to the late James D. and Lounell Hayes Cole. He was raised in Hueytown, AL, where he attended Hueytown High School and The University of Alabama. He met the love of his life, Martha, in Hueytown, and they were happily married for almost 60 years.

Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Martha, and his parents, J.D. and Lounell Cole.

Bill is survived by his son, Barry Cole (Laura); daughters, Kim Nelson (Gary) and Angel Whyner (Donald); grandsons, Garrick Nelson, Cole Nelson (Kira), Conner Cole (Avery), Harrison Cole and Wyatt Whyner; as well as one granddaughter, Logan Trawick (Taylor). Bill is also survived by his sisters, Sonja Donaldson, Gloria McClendon; and one brother, Larry Cole.

Bill led a wonderful life, always putting his family first and enjoyed sharing his passion for Alabama football with everyone he met. Bill always loved working with his hands, including building his own beautiful furniture, and spent countless hours tending to his yard and beautiful rose garden. He cherished his many friendships, however, his neighbor, Jerry, always held a special place in his heart.

Visitation will be held from 11:00am until a Funeral Service begins at 1:00pm Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with Dr. Jerry Passmore officiating. Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park.

Active pallbearers will be Conner Cole, Harrison Cole, Wyatt Whyner, Cole Nelson, Taylor Trawick and Donald Whyner.

The family would like to extend a special "thanks" to all the doctors, nurses and staff at Baptist Hospital as well as Emerald Coast Palliative Care for their exceptional care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Bill's love for his children and grandchildren, knowing no child should suffer from Cancer, donations can be made to The Gulf Coast Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer. https://fundraise.rallyfoundation.org/campaign/658857/donate