Victor Stephen Cole of Fayetteville, Ga., went on to Glory on January 11, 2015.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Chapel of Mowell Funeral Home in Peachtree City. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Providence United Methodist Church in Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Young Life North Alabama, 201 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville, Ala. 35801.
Steve is preceded in death by his father Robert Wiley Cole, his mother Frances Coppedge Cole, and his brother Robert George Cole.
Steve is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Dian Heard Cole, son Jeff and wife Mary, daughter Shelley Cole Andraos, son Chad and wife Nikki, and daughter Lauren Cole Calderman and husband Robert. Steve adored his 8 grandchildren, Joe (22), Grace (16), Caroline (12), Stephen (10), Crews (8), Campbell (6), Fisher (4), and Tucker (2 months).
Born and raised in Atlanta, Steve was the consummate southern gentleman whose faith in Jesus Christ permeated everything he touched whether it was his passion for his family, his career in hospital administration, his calling in education, or his hobbies or running and beekeeping. Steve graduated from Brown High, Rinehart College, and the University of Georgia. He served on the USS Enterprise in Vietnam from 1965-1967. Steve was in hospital administration throughout South Carolina and Georgia for 25 years. However, his true calling of teaching began in 1993 at Lovejoy High School. Steve used his faith for the Lord to impact thousands of students and teachers who crossed his path each day. In 1999, Steve was honored as Lovejoy Teacher of the Year.
Upon retirement, Steve found it necessary to focus his energies on fighting melanoma. A long time runner and former president of the Peachtree City Running Club, Steve could often be seen running the trails of Port Royal Plantation in Hilton Head or the hills of his Fayetteville neighborhood. He completed his 25th Peachtree Road Race this past summer, as well as reached the PTC 1000 Mile Club the past 3 years.
Steve will be missed by so many, especially his family. His love for Jesus Christ will be his legacy, and will be passed down for generations to come.
Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Peachtree City – www.mowellfuneralhome.com.
