Hugh Lavon Cole, 90, a retired Pharmacist and resident of Gulf Breeze, FL, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

Hugh was born on October 24, 1935, in the Oak Grove community of Hattiesburg, MS to Jeptha and Ora Mae Cole. He was raised on the family farm alongside his brother, John, and four sisters, Flora, Lena, Ruby, and Mary. After the death of his father, Hugh stepped in to help support his family. He later returned to school and graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1953.

Hugh attended Pearl River Junior College until January 1955, when he enlisted in the US Air Force. While stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL, Hugh met the love of his life, Jane Noland. They were married on June 20, 1958, in Bermuda, where Hugh had been transferred during his military service. In January 1959, the couple moved to Oxford, MS, after Hugh was accepted into the Ole Miss School of Pharmacy. Following his graduation in 1962, he completed his pharmacy internship in Tampa, FL. In 1963, Hugh and Jane settled in Pensacola, FL, where he began his career with Pfeiffer Drugs. He faithfully served the community as a pharmacist until his retirement in 1997.

Hugh was a devoted member and deacon of First Baptist Church of Gulf Breeze, FL. He faithfully served the Lord by teaching Sunday School, working with the youth and family ministries, and participating in several Builders for Christ mission trips to Ohio, Michigan, and New Hampshire, where he helped construct church buildings. He also served with the Florida Baptist Disaster Relief Team and traveled to Peru with a mission team from Calvary Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, MS, where they ministered to and assisted people in need.

During retirement, Hugh and Jane enjoyed developing the Cole Estate property in Hattiesburg, MS, and spending time in the beautiful mountains of Lake Lure, NC. Hugh especially loved fishing and treasured the many peaceful hours he spent on the water. They found great joy and fellowship with their church family at Chimney Rock Baptist Church.

Hugh will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful Christian, dedicated pharmacist, and humble servant of others. He was known for his quiet strength, unwavering faith, generous spirit, and willingness to help anyone in need. His legacy of service, integrity, and love for his family will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Hugh is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Jane Cole; his parents, Jeptha and Ora Mae Cole; his sisters, Lena Lee and Mary Maples; and his brother, John Cole.

Survivors include his sons, Scott, Steve, Mark, and Ken; his daughter, Janie Tillman; and his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 5:00pm-7:00pm Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32504. A private family graveside service will be held at Bayview Memorial Park.