Obituary of Thomas Carroll Cole, 89
Obituary of Thomas Carroll Cole, 89
– Thomas Carroll Cole, known affectionately as TCole, passed away on June 15, 2024, at the age of 89 in Paso Robles, California. Born on September 21, 1934, in Monette, Arkansas, Tom embarked on a life marked by dedication to family, a passion for learning, and a successful career in the produce industry.
Tom’s early life saw him joining the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Hospital Corpsman from 1951 to 1955. After his military service, he returned to Salinas where his professional journey in the produce industry spanned over 50 years. He started as a field man working for T.R. Russ Merrill, then moved into sales with various produce companies in Salinas. His acumen quickly propelled him into significant roles, including Sales Manager at InterHarvest, which was the largest produce company in the Salinas Valley at the time. He later was an original team leader at SunHarvest, known presently as Sun World International. Always striving in his educational pursuits, later in life, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business management at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California. Tom concluded his acclaimed career as Vice President of Sales & Marketing at A. Duda and Sons, significantly impacting the growth of DUDA’s west coast division until his retirement.
Beyond his professional life, Tom was devoted to his family and a self-proclaimed renaissance man. He was a voracious reader with an expert knowledge of world history and geopolitics. Fluent in Spanish and studying French later in life, he dedicated many hours in retirement to further learning, always eager to share his wealth of knowledge and stories with his loved ones and friends. Tom’s commitment to his Christian faith was profound, ensuring his family knew their Lord and Savior, Jesus, which he considered his greatest achievement.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Marilyn; his children, Leonard (Carolyn) Cole, Daphne (Bob) Balentine, and Trenton (Vanessa) Ellis-Cole; his brother, John L. (Marilyn) Cole; and his cherished grandchildren, Madeline White, Morgan Balentine, Adam Cole, Jack Balentine, Caroline Ellis, and Nick Balentine.
A celebration of life ceremony and reception will be held on Saturday, August 10th, 11:30 at the Paso Robles Inn.
From Legacy.com.
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