Byron Wiley Cole

Byron Wiley Cole – Age 74 – October 30th, 1949, to March 27th, 2024.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Byron Cole, who peacefully departed from this world on March 27th, 2024, at his home, surrounded by loved ones.

Byron Wiley Cole was born on October 30th, 1949, in Beaumont, Texas to Burrell and Wilma Cole of Vidor, TX. Byron met his wife, Georgette Cole in 1976 at the Texas State Fair and were married November 18th, 1977, in Orange, TX and began their 47 year adventure.

In his early years he was a mechanic at C&M Auto before he began painting with multiple contractors. He dedicated 25 years to painting before he ventured out on his own as an independent contractor and started Byron Cole Painting.

Outside of his professional life, Byron could often be found sitting on his porch, with a coffee cup and a cigar in hand, cracking jokes, telling (and re-telling) stories.

He was known for his outstanding work ethic, cheesy one-liners, and his deep love of coffee and cigars. Byron lived, worked and breathed for his family, every day. Byron's kindness, generosity, and ability to make light of difficult situations with his quick one-liners endeared him to all who knew him.

Byron is survived by his loving wife, Georgette; children: Sherrie Cole of Vidor, TX, John Trussell and wife, Jocelyn of Mauriceville, TX, Angela Jones and husband, Tommy of Vidor, TX, Mindy Cole of Vidor, TX, Melissa Lopez and husband, Steve of Orange, TX, Amanda Sauls and husband, C.R. of Vidor, TX, Jennifer Jones and husband, Tommy of Vidor, TX, Ashley Cole of Vidor, TX, Byron Cole Jr. and wife, Brittany of Vidor, TX, and Brent Cole and wife, Lindsay of Lumberton, TX; siblings: Glenn Cole and wife, Aurora of Vidor, TX, Wayne Cole of Vidor, TX, Ronnie Cole and wife, Pam of Vidor, TX, Pam Alvarez and husband, Salvador of Vidor, TX, Karla Moyer and husband, A.D. of Baytown, TX, Riley Cole of Vidor, TX, Preston Cole of Vidor, TX, Beth Cole of Vidor, TX, and Nile Cole of Vidor, TX; his Aunt Joanne of Vidor, TX; 25 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, as well as beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Burrell and Wilma Cole, and brother Quintin Cole.

There will be a visitation held Saturday, March 30th from 5:00 – 6:00pm for immediate family and extended family and friends 6:00 – 9:00pm at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor (1750 Hwy 12, Vidor, TX 77662). There will be a grave side burial Monday, April 1st at 2:00pm at Williamson Cemetery (North Hwy 105, Vidor, TX 77662) and followed by a farewell gathering at the home of Byron and Georgette Cole (970 Archie St. Vidor, TX 77662).

As we bid farewell to Byron, we remember a man who worked harder than the sun, rising before dawn and returning home long after it had set. His tireless dedication and unwavering love for his family were his guiding lights, shining brighter than any sunrise or sunset. May we find comfort in the warmth of his memory and the legacy of his love, which continues to illuminate our lives. Byron’s love for Georgette is the glue that has held the entire family together for the past 47 years. His last words were to his beloved wife, Georgette, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I have to go but I love you with all my heart.”