David Lee Cole, Sr.

David Lee Cole, Sr. “Dave” 88, of Elberton, Georgia and Monson, Maine, died peacefully on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. He was born in Biddeford, Maine, on January 6, 1936, and was raised in Saco and Old Orchard Beach, Maine. 

Growing up, Dave was an accomplished athlete and scholar. He graduated from Old Orchard Beach High School in 1953. He was a Varsity Football and Basketball letterman and a lifeguard at Old Orchard Beach in the summers. Dave attended the University of Maine in Orono and was a proud member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. At Orono, Dave met the love of his life, Jacqueline Ann Doughty “Jackie” of Bangor. He graduated with a degree in Geology in 1958. After graduation, Dave and Jackie married and moved to Columbia, Missouri for Dave’s pursuit of a master’s degree in Geology at the University of Missouri. Dave attained this degree in 1960.

Dave’s education sparked a highly successful career as a businessman/ geologist with several mining enterprises beginning with Oglebay Norton Corporation in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, and ending with Global Stone Corporation in Tennessee and Arkansas. He was always eager for a new challenge as a turnaround leader. He was proud of a successful venture in West Virginia where he was President of Riverton Corporation. He was also especially proud of the team he built at Granite Panelwall Company in Elberton, Georgia and the team’s accomplishments in the granite and construction industries while serving as President of the Company. This team contributed to the construction of some of the finest granite buildings in the Southeast. He maintained his home in Elberton and retired there in 2000.

Dave also loved the state of Maine. He maintained a family camp in Monson where he treasured spending his free time. He was a skilled fly fisherman and wing shooter, and tracked brook trout, salmon, and partridge throughout the Northwoods. He cherished and celebrated his time in Monson, visiting old friends and relaxing with his grandchildren on the shores of Lake Hebron. His grandchildren called him “Pop”. He was also fond of his bird dogs, dinner parties, and a cold martini every now and then. 

Dave was an avid golfer and travelled extensively to play golf. He was a member of the Elberton Country Club and enjoyed his weekly rounds with friends. Dave was also a man of faith and was a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Elberton. He cheered for the Elbert County Blue Devils football team on Friday nights. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Ada Cole; wife, Jackie; and brothers: Harold and Larry Cole. He is survived by his three children: son David (Joyce) Cole of Baltimore, Maryland, son John (Susan) Cole of Charlotte, North Carolina, and daughter, Karen (John) Kallis of Atlanta, Georgia; and grandchildren: Trip (Megan) Cole, and Madison (Jack) Prutting; Jack, Sam, and Cady Cole; Sarah, Emily, and Anne Kallis; and brother, Alton (Alice) of Carrabassett and Old Orchard Beach, Maine. 

Honoring Dave’s request, graveside services for the family will be conducted in Lakeroad Cemetery in Monson, Maine, where he will be placed beside his beloved Jackie.

If desired, contributions in his memory may be directed to the charity of one’s choice.

Those wishing to may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home and Crematory of Elberton, Georgia is assisting the family of David Lee Cole, Sr.