Mr. Onzie Melvin Cole Sr.

Onzie Melvin Cole Sr. was born on 11 June 1936 to the late Rowena “Rena” Carrie Bond and Theron Thomas Cole in Jackson Tn. Onzie Sr. was the middle child of three sons. His oldest brother Jim Cole (Oakland, California) his baby brother Earvin Cole (Woodbine, New Jersey) and both parents preceded him in death. Onzie Cole Sr. comes from humble beginnings where he was raised in Madison County working the cotton fields with his family. He was an active member at Bethlehem Church where he accepted Jesus Christ as a young boy. He sang in the choir and taught Sunday school as a young man. Onzie Sr. graduated from West High School in Jackson Tn. Onzie Sr. was also an accomplished, talented singer and musician. He traveled extensively with different Gospel Quartet groups and sang background for several famous artists during his musical journey. He was fondly referred to as the “silky voice” He remained a member of Bethlehem Church until he entered the military. Onzie Sr. left his humble beginnings and entered the United States Army as a young man. After serving Honorably on Active Duty in the military, he attended Barber College and became a licensed Barber. He relocated to Decatur Illinois where he barbered for over forty years within that community until he retired. He was a transport driver with different trucking companies briefly, after his retirement. Onzie Sr’s favorite hobbies were cooking, gardening, traveling, chess and singing. He was an avid gardener and could grow anything that came from the ground or on a tree. He personally coordinated the construction for a state-of-the-art greenhouse and garden for an assisted living facility in Fayetteville NC. Onzie Sr. came from a line of excellent cooks as he and both his brothers Jim and Earvin could compete with any top chefs. He volunteered to cook signature dishes on occasion for the facility’s residents and a local homeless shelter before his health declined. Onzie Sr. was an exceptional bowler and chess player. He played chess often with military servicemembers at the Wounded Warrior Support Center on Ft Bragg North Carolina. Onzie Sr. loved all sports, but baseball was his favorite. He enjoyed playing Cornhole with his village as they grilled out on Friday nights. Onzie Sr. had a magnetic personality and did not know any strangers. During his eleven year stay in North Carolina he was fondly referred to as “Pops” and had a large loving village. He became the adopted father and grandfather amongst the many friends that loved him dearly. Several restaurants owners designated him their VIP where he frequented, and he was always provided complimentary meals on the house for his entire stay in North Carolina. The restaurants would often deliver meals to him on Saturdays, where he always shared his meals with his favorite nursing staff. Onzie Sr. was a true warrior as he fought several health battles. He departed this life peacefully on 25 August 2020. Onzie Sr. leaves behind a loving wife, Constance Cole of Denver Colorado. Onzie has ten children. Steve Styles, Sebrina Franks (late Larry Franks Sr), Rowena Andrews, Onzie Melvin Cole Jr, Sharon Walker, Flossie Cole, Eric McCullough (Kreda), LaShauna Hightower ( Brian), Dion Stanback, Brandon Stanback, twelve grandchildren, and four great grandchildren, a host of nieces, grand nieces, nephews, grand nephews, and many cousins.

Mr. Onzie Melvin Cole Sr.

June 11, 1936 - August 25, 2020