Lonnie Cole Obituary

Lonnie Glenn Cole

September 10, 2025

Lonnie Glenn Cole, 78, of Kingsport, TN, passed away due to a brief illness on September 10, 2025. A devoted family man, he was married to his wife, Donna Cole for an amazing 56 years. He will be remembered by his children as an incredible father and loving grandfather of 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Born on August 22, 1947, in Kingsport, Lonnie was the oldest son of Mennis and Naomi Cole. After graduating from Dobyns Bennett High School in 1965 as a true volunteer he enlisted in the military and served his county in the United States Marine Corps. During his service, Lonnie was deployed to Vietnam as a window gunner, where he bravely flew over 190 combat missions. Upon returning from Vietnam, he began a 30+ year career with Eastman Chemical Company retiring in 2000. In 2019, Lonnie and Donna moved to Commerce, GA where he was an active member in his local community.

Lonnie was considered by his friends as a generous and hard-working man. He enjoyed coaching youth sports, working in the yard and was always busy with a house project. He was most passionate about his family and enjoyed every opportunity to spend time with all his grandchildren over the past three decades.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Michael Cole. Lonnie is survived by his wife, Donna Cole of Commerce, GA; his children, Chris Ann Miller & Josh Carrillo of Dallas, TX, and Drew & Laura Cole of Atlanta, GA; and his grandchildren, Sydney Beasley, Hayden Beasley, Carmen Beasley, Baer Cole, Ashley Cole and great grandson, Addler Hughes. He is also survived by his brother and sisters in Kingsport: Susie Epperson, Sam Cole, Cathy Poole, and Rhonda Cole.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Wounded Warriors Project in Lonnie's memory. https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org