Dennis Martin Cole

On the crisp fall morning of October 31st, the angels rejoiced as the Lord called his servant Dennis Cole home. While the hearts of his family and friends are broken it’s hard not to see a silver lining knowing that his mind and body are fully restored in glory.

Dennis Martin Cole was born on August 8, 1942 to Howard and Lucille Sharpe Cole who preceded him in death. A lifelong resident of Haywood County, Dennis was an avid collector loved log houses, antiques, flea markets and most especially a good deal!

He proudly served in the United States Army where he formed lifelong friendships and was a member of the American Legion. He worked for Champion International, later retiring from Evergreen Packaging after 43 years of service at the Canton mill. He was a member of Morning Star United Methodist Church where he served on multiple committees through the years and was honored as Lay Person of the Year. He proudly served on the Morning Star Community Cemetery Committee.

Dennis was loved by family and friends but none more than his loving wife of 53 years, Marilene. After Dennis retired, he and Marilene spent much of their time together, enjoying picnics, traveling, and time with family. For the last eighteen months one of Dennis’s greatest joys was attending Maple Leaf Respite where the staff provided exemplary care and support for both he and Marilene.

Dennis is survived by his dedicated wife Marilene Plemmons Cole of Canton, his daughter Bronwyen Cole McCracken, husband Nick, and grandchildren Brenna and John Cole McCracken of Kingsport, TN. He is also survived by a sister, Pamela Cole Burris of Greensboro, a nephew, Bradley Cole Burris of Burlington, and a niece Leanna Burris King of Holly Springs NC.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in the Wells Funeral Home Chapel in Canton with Pastor Jason Miller officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Morning Star Community Cemetery in Canton.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or the Morning Star Community Cemetery Fund.

 The care of Mr. Cole has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.