Pub. 1 2019-2020 Issue 4

http://wvcar.com 36 WVADA WilliamPaulCole, Jr. completed his earthly journey on June 28, 2020 with the same quiet dignity that distinguished his life. His dignity was underscored by his passion for living and experi- encing all that life had to offer, with roots strongly embedded in the city he loved. Paul was born in New York City, New York, on Dec. 21. 1931, to William Paul Cole, Sr. and Harriet Foote Cole. However, Bluefield was home, where he grew up, often working alongside his grandfatherW. J. Cole at theWest Virginian Hotel, forming his passions andmany inter - ests until he graduated from Beaver High School in 1949 and left to attend Davidson College. He returned home to marry Carol Ann McHugh on July 31, 1954. He served two years active duty with the U. S Army, continuing in the Reserves to earn the rank of captain. He then completed his educa - tion, earning an MBA from the Harvard School of Business in Boston, Massachu - setts. He took his first job with Hyatt hotels before going to work for IBM in New York as a system’s engineer. He worked for IBM and lived in New York until 1965 when his father passed away unexpectedly. Taking a one year “leave of absence” from IBM, Paul returned to Bluefield and took over the operation of his father’s International Harvester dealership, Cole Motor Compa - ny. In 1975 he formed Truck City Parts and in 1982 purchased Evans Chevrolet, which became Cole Chevrolet Cadillac. Through his years in business Paul served Bluefield and West Virginia in many roles. He is Bluefield’s longest serving mayor, 1981 to 1993, was Chairman of Ameri - can Truck Dealers Association 1978 to 80, President of the West Virginia Auto Dealers Association, the first West Virgin - ian to be inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame, President of the Bluefield Chamber of Commerce and President of the Bluefield Rotary Club, where he was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow. He received an honorary Doctorate from Northwood University, Midland, Michigan, for his leadership in establishing a Truck Market - ing curriculum. On Nov. 21, 2003 he was proudly inducted into the Bluefield High School Hall of Fame. Paul, amember ofMensa and a licensed pi - lot since1974, foundtime formanyperson - al passions. A lifelong pursuit of fitness was expressed through jogging, golf and tennis, leaving just enough time for becoming a bridge life master and avid antique collec - tor. He was an interesting man interested in everything and always willing to share what he had experienced and learned. Paul leaves Bluefield a legacy of integrity in business, respect for family values, and the three sons he and Carol shared and raised to carry on the business development and community service to which Paul dedicat - ed his life. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 61 years, Carol M. Cole, infant daughter Leighann Letitia Cole and brother James Foote Cole. He is survived by sons William Paul Cole, III and wife Brownie, Charles McHugh Cole and wife Terri and Thomas Jacob Cole and wife Michelle, all of Bluefield, 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchil - dren, and sister-in-law Mary Frances McHugh. Special thanks and apprecia - tion to Paul’s dedicated companion and caretaker of 6 years, Dashi Sho-Johnson and to the other caretakers, including Patsy, Edmund, Brenda, Mike and Car - ol-Anne, who so graciously assisted Paul through his final time on earth. In lieu of flowers, Paul would be hon - ored if you would make a donation to the W. Paul Cole, Jr. School of Business at Bluefield State College, 219 Rock St, Bluefield, WV 24701 or Bluefield Col - lege Advancement Office, 3000 College Ave., Bluefield, VA 24605. Amid Covid concerns, an outdoor grave - side service was held at 11 a.m. on Thurs - day, July 2nd at Roselawn Cemetery with his grandsons serving as pallbearers. A fu - neral procession was organized at Mercer Funeral Home. t “Life is a song — sing it. Life is a game — play it. Life is a challenge — meet it. Life is a dream — realize it. Life is a sacrifice —offer it. Life is love—enjoy it.” — Sai Baba, spiritual leader and philanthropist