Paul Willard Cole, 89, of Hanceville passed away peacefully at home on May 20th, 2026.
He was born in Battleground on January 30th, 1937, to William Ransom Cole and Ruby Thomas Cole. He graduated from West Point High School in 1955 and later attended Cullman College.
He worked for the U.S. Geological Survey for 41 years before retiring in 1998. Outside of work, he was a devoted husband to Joan, father, grandfather, and lifelong learner. He was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time outdoors and with his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joan Ballard Cole, sons Gary Randall Cole, Lyle Wade Cole, Lesley Paul Cole, and daughter-in-law Rebecca Procter Cole. He is survived by his son Mark Vann Cole, daughters-in-law Rebecca Denton Cole and Rhonda Isom Cole, grandchildren Elliott Cole, Robyn Rice, Catie Kilgore, Philip Cole, Tyler Cole, Rachel Egan, DeLana Clemons, Tanner Cole, and Falyn Cochran. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren and a host of other extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.
As a final expression of his generosity and inquisitive spirit, he chose to donate his body to UAB Medical School, so no funeral services will be held.
