D. Bruce Cole

CHURCHVILLE – Douglas Bruce Cole, 72, passed away Friday (July 21, 2023) in the University of Virginia Hospital.

He was born November 18, 1950 in Clinton, Pennsylvania to William Berlin and Norma (Cross) Cole. Bruce served his country as a young man in Vietnam. He received two Purple Hearts, two Navy Achievement Medals with Combat Valor, a Combat Action Ribbon and a Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. Bruce returned home from Vietnam to serve his country with over 20 years in the National Guard; however, he exemplified “once a Marine, always a Marine.”

Locally, Bruce served as a law enforcement officer with the State Police and the City of Staunton, and as an Augusta County sheriff’s deputy.

He was a member of Linden Heights Baptist Church.

Bruce was raised by his grandparents, Orenza and Mary Margaret Cole. They preceded him in death, as did his parents; his first wife and the mother of his sons, Vivian Cole; brothers Bradley and Bill Cole; and a special aunt, Ruth Byrd.

Surviving are his wife, Linda (Kite) Cole, who remained by his side for 27 years; two sons, David Bruce Cole (Bobbi Jo) of Staunton and Douglas Orenza Cole (Jane) of Craigsville; a sister, Sharon R. Lanum (Phill) of Staunton; a brother, Malcolm Cole (Paula) of Deerfield; four grandchildren whom he adored, Harry, Emmett, Sadie and Silas; and special life-long friends Bobby Dull, Bill Bishop and Junior Connor. His family and friends will miss him greatly.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, July 27 in the chapel of Bear Funeral Home, officiated by Pastors Luke Smith and Bobby Campbell.

The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 5:30.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at bearfuneralhome.com.