Bennie Cole

“God saw you growing weary, so He did what He knew best. He came and stood beside you and whispered “Come unto me and rest.”

On Friday, November 5, 2021 at 12:24 am Bennie “Big Ben” Cole transitioned from this life to be with the Lord. He was born in Colleton County, South Carolina on April 22, 1948, to the late Jim Sandy and Evalynia Josie Bell Cole.

Bennie was educated in the public school system of Colleton County, South Carolina. The mark Mr. Cole left on those that knew him was mighty and great. He had an entrepreneur spirit that led him to open his own auto shop, West Columbia Autos.

To be in his presence, you were definitely going to laugh, cry, shout, or all of the above. He loved to talk to his family, friends, and would talk to them multiple times a day for hours at a time.

Mr. Cole was a man with a colorful personality, which led him to Columbia, South Carolina, where he found his forever soulmate, Lorraine Heyward. Bennie and Lorraine united in holy matrimony in Allendale, South Carolina on August 17, 1983.

Bennie was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Leroy Cole of Ehrhardt, SC and Frank Cole of Brooksville, FL; sisters, Nora Lee Cole Hagood of Brooksville, FL, and Jerline Cole-Scott of Estill, SC.

He is survived by his devoted, faithful, and loving wife of 38 years, Lorraine Cole of Gaston, SC; Five sons, Bennie Cole, Jr., (Rovenia) of Irvington, NJ, Donald Cole Sr., (Fatima) of Linden, NJ, Orlando Cole ,Sr., (Blenda) of Columbia, SC, Tyheem Barnes and Kareem Barnes (Khaliah) of Bronx, NY; one daughter, Josie Brown (Stephen) of Atlanta, GA; a hosts of grandchildren and a few great-grandchildren;

four sister, Beulah DeVoe and Anna Washington of Philadelphia, PA, Alberta Cole Dowling of Brookyln, NY,and Mittie James (Abraham) of Estill, SC; three brothers, Jimmy Cole and Jerry Cole (Joann) both of Columbia, SC, and Willie James (Yvette) of New York, NY; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Due to the current state of (COVID-19) pandemic and in order to promote social distancing, anyone entering the funeral home for viewing; as well as attending all graveside services must wear a mask. We will also limit the number of persons allowed to enter the funeral home at any given period during the viewing process.  We ask that you leave the premise upon exiting the building. The family is most appreciative to each of you for all acts of kindness shown to them during this difficult time in their lives.

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