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Lonnie Cole Obituary
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
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lonnie Cole
Sponsored by Ivie Funeral Home - Commerce.
Sherry Martin
September 18, 2025
Donna,ChrisAnn&Drew,So sorry to hear of Lonnie´s passing. Lots of good memories of the girls playing softball. Thought are with you all at this difficult time.
Sherry Martin
Lolita Kressin
September 16, 2025
After graduation I did not see Lonnie again until our 50th DB High School graduation. We chatted about where life had taken us. He was smiling broadly as he told me about his wife Donna & lovely family. He was amusing when he told me how he went to buy a car after learning the Marine core & ended up meeting his future wife. I could tell the kind & caring man was a happy man & loved his wife, family & friends & was greatly loved by them. How great is that! Rest in Peace, Lonnie. You will be missed!
Carol D Robinette
September 14, 2025
Donna, so sorry to read where Lonnie has passed. I remember you two in Sunday School class at Bethel Presbyterian in the early 1980s. I came with Margaret Robinette. I was recently divorced and often looked at you two and wondered why I didn't have a marriage as good and precious as you and Lonnie. Long time ago but I remember you both as though it was yesterday. I am 84 now and been retired several years but still plugging along pretty well. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
In Christian LOVE
Janie Kincheloe
September 14, 2025
Susie, Ronnie and family,
We are sorry to hear of the loss of Susie's brother. His obituary tells of a life well lived.
Gerald and Janie Kincheloe
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Mike & Elaine Edwards
September 13, 2025
Sorry to hear of Lonnie's. He was such a great Christian friend to us in Kingsport. Love & prayers to Donna & family.
Mike & Elaine Edwards
Gail & Tony Cole
September 13, 2025
Donna,
So sorry to hear this. Remembering our fun times watching our sons play sports together.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gail & Tony Cole, Kingsport
Nanci Noel Smith
September 12, 2025
Donna..so very sorry to hear of Lonnie's passing..you are in my thoughts and prayers
Joie Kerns
September 12, 2025
I graduated from high school with Lonnie and commuted to night classes with him in college. He was always a good friend and kept in touch. I send my thoughts and prayers to the family. Lonnie was truly one of the good guys.
Franklin McCauley
September 12, 2025
Lonnie and Donna were some of my favorite people when we were all raised in Bethel Presbyterian Church. Always pleasant and caring for everyone in the congregation. As is often the case, the quiet and reserved veterans are the ones who faced the worst combat situations especially having served as a helicopter door gunner. I'm proud to have known him and to have called him my friend and comrade. Rest in peace Marine.
Steve Taylor
September 12, 2025
My good friend Mike, Lonnie's deceased brother, adored Lonnie. When we were teens, Mike was always talking about him when he was in Nam. A quite person, who could, and would take charge of a situation when needed without hesitation. My brother and I both dealt with Lonnie on acouple of Real Estate deals when he retired from Eastman and he was professional and above board in all facets. A truly good person.
Beth Cole (Mike)
September 11, 2025
Donna, ChrisAnn and Drew, I am
Very sorry for your loss. You all will be In My thoughts and in my heart. Love you all
Lonnie was always a good brother in law. I feel like he was my brother also. He loved his family and I feel very privileged to be in the family.
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