Billie Ray "Bill" Cole

Billie “Bill” Ray Cole, 68, of Leonardtown, MD passed away on September 19, 2014 at his residence. Born on October 24, 1945 in Wardell, MO. He was the son of the late Lavena and Roy Casey Cole. Bill was the loving husband of Mary Laurita (Rita Gray) Cole whom he married on October 29, 1966 in Chicago, IL. Bill is survived by his son Christopher Cole (Pam) of Lexington Park, MD, grandson Casey Cole, Siblings Lenita Decker of Princeton, IL, Shirley James (Wayne) of Spirit Lake, IA, Judy Ontiveros of Mohave Valley, AZ. He was preceded in death by his brother Paul Cole. Bill joined the United States Navy in 1964 serving until 1968. His duty stations included; Squadron VP-49, and flew in the series P-3 aircraft at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, MD., and he was stationed on the USS Essex at Quonset Point, RI. He worked as an auto mechanic for Pontiac, Ford and Transportation for 30 years retiring in 1998. Bill loved to cruise his 1931 Ford street rod and cars shows, drag racing, watching his grandson race, and his son working on the cars. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 26, 2014 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM with a funeral Service at 7:00 PM in the Mattingly-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, MD with Father John Ball officiating. Interment will be private. Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s P.O. Box 625 Leonardtown, MD 20650.