DAVID WAYNE COLE

David Wayne Cole, 59, of Lynn Haven, passed away Monday, October 25, 2010, at his home surrounded by his family. David was born on August 12, 1951, the youngest of five children and the only son of Henry Lewis Cole and Ruth Porter Cole. He was born in Marianna, Florida, and lived his entire life as a resident of Bay County. From childhood, David loved and participated in a variety of sports and outdoor activities and reflected the strong values of parents who shaped their children into caring, responsible, and hardworking youths and adults. After graduating from Bay County High School in 1969, David put himself through college and worked in Bay County's public school system for 34 years, retiring in 2007. David touched many lives, both students and staff, as a teacher and principal at schools including Lynn Haven, Waller, Springfield, and Hiland Park elementary schools; Rosenwald and Mowat middle schools; and Emerald Bay Academy. David will be remembered by students, co-workers, family, and friends as a person of extraordinary strength, wisdom, and integrity.

Predeceased by his parents, David is survived by his wife, Rita Sorrentino Cole; three children, Justin Cole, Jacob Titus, and Jessica (Nathan) Pennington; two granddaughters, Lilly and Layla Pennington; four sisters, Gloria (Jack) Cutchens, Wanda Luckie, Patricia (Roger) Garrett, and Donna (Charlie) Perry; and seven nieces and nephews, Angie Luckie, Hope Luckie, Patrick Garrett, Shannon Garrett, Jennifer Massey, Samantha Perry, and Mark Perry.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Bill Montgomery officiating. Interment will follow in Lynn Haven Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday 6 – 8 p.m. Those desiring may make memorial donations to Covenant Hospice, 107 W 19th Street, Panama City, FL 32405 or to a charity of their choice in memory of David Wayne Cole. The family would like to thank the staff and healthcare givers at Tommy Hamm Cancer Clinic for their excellent care. Active pallbearers will be Jack Cutchens, Roger Garrett, Charlie Perry, Patrick Garrett, Allan Bense and Joe Bullock. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Weed Wacker's at Panama Country Club.

Wilson Funeral Home