Gerald "Jerry" LaVerne Cole Jr.

Gerald LaVerne Cole Jr., Age 80, of Flint Township, passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2024. A memorial service will take place 1:00 PM, Monday, July 8, 2024 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. Interment will follow at Crestwood Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 11:00 AM Monday until the time of service at 1:00 PM. Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to the Genesee County Humane Society. 

Jerry was born on July 19, 1943 in Clio the son of the late Gerald Sr. and Martha (Murdoch) Cole. He graduated from Swartz Creek High School, class of 1962. Following his education, Jerry enlisted into the United States Marine Corp proudly serving from 1962 until his honorable discharge in 1966. He worked for AC Spark Plug for many years before his retirement. Jerry and Virginia Trexler were united in marriage on July 17, 1965 in Pennsylvania. He loved spending time with his family and bird watching. In his free time, Jerry would be found fishing, hunting, playing BINGO and taking photos for his photography collection. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Virginia; children, Pamela (Elbert) Bedell, Tina (John) Sobocinski and Dan (Stacey) Cole; granddaughters, Nicole (Brad) Bax, Amanda (Philip) Fritts, Rhianna Bedell, Tania Sobocinski and Melanie Bedell; and great-granddaughters, Maci and Kayla Fritts.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brothers, Dennis and Dan Cole. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com