Roy Edwin Cole Sr., 88, passed away August 23, 2024, in Richland, WA, at Kadlec Regional Medical Center. Roy was born December 26, 1935, to Joseph and Arilla Cole, one of 6 children, in Port Arthur, Texas. Roy attended Thomas Jefferson High School where he met Mary A. Leblanc. He joined the United States Army in 1954 and shortly after married Mary A. Leblanc. They soon moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, where they were stationed. Roy proudly served his country for 4 years in the United States Army. After honorable discharge from the military, he returned home to southeast Texas where he attended Lamar College and studied diesel mechanics.

They soon began their family and had 3 sons Roy Cole Jr., David Cole, and Stuart Cole. Roy later married Susan Clay and had 1 daughter, Jennifer Cole. He lived and worked in Southeast Texas at Gulf States Utilities Power Plant until the early 1980's when he then moved to northern Idaho. He eventually settled in Kennewick, Washington in 1986. Roy opened and successfully operated a roofing business for 15 years serving the Tri-Cities area community. He enjoyed his family, friends, gardening, the outdoors, and he never met a stranger or missed an opportunity to laugh, pick and play. Roy was raised in church and accepted Jesus as his savior at a young age, he attended Grace Baptist Church of Kennewick for many years. He enjoyed the hymns and fellowship at his church home.

Roy is survived by his 4 children, Roy Cole Jr., David Cole, Stuart Cole, Jennifer Cole; and his sister Carolyn Gibson. He was blessed to have 9 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Roy is preceded in death by his parents Joseph Cole Jr. and Arilla Cole; his siblings Joanne Pharo, Joseph Cole III, Joyce Hammons and Lois Strittmatter.