Woody Cole
Grady Woodfin (“Woody”) Cole died Thursday, April 2, 2020, at home surrounded by his loving family. Born April 18, 1952, in Carrollton, GA, the third child of Earl Woodfin Cole and Marion Lanier Cole, Woody, to all who knew him, could light up a room with his personality and laugh.
After graduating from Carrollton High School in 1970, Woody enrolled at the University of Georgia, where, at the end of his sophomore year, he and the dean decided it best for Woody to take a sabbatical. Considering his options, he chose the United States Army. Following an honorable discharge at the conclusion of his service, Woody returned to the University of Georgia, where he graduated with a degree in Risk Management.
Upon graduation he began his 42-year career in the insurance industry working with his Dad at Carroll Realty & Insurance Company, where he later became President. A legend in the community that he loved, he was a 40-year member of First United Methodist Church and Carrollton Rotary Club. He was a former member of the University of West Georgia Foundation, and a current member of the Tanner Foundation board. He was also active in various other local charities and was a member of the Gridiron Society.
Of great importance to him were his many friends and family. He was generous, charismatic, loving, and fun. He lived life to the fullest and was a true friend to all he met. He loved to tell a good story while smoking a cigar. Woody lived by the saying “If I can help someone as I pass along”. He found joy in helping others from all walks of life. A close friend said: “He had incredible humility and love for his fellow mankind.”
He is survived by Katharine (“Kathy”) Beaty Cole and their three children, Catherine (“Catie”) Cole Haynes and her husband John of Atlanta, Edwin Woodfin (“Wood”) Cole and his wife Kelly of Carrollton, and Caroline Cole Fisher and her husband Jett of Atlanta; grandchildren Marion Haynes, Jack Haynes, Fin Cole, and Frannie Cole; brother, Charles Edwin (“Eddie”) Cole and his wife Sally of Carrollton; two sisters, Carole Cole Musarra of Atlanta, and Connie Cole Jones and her husband Randy of New York City; several adoring nieces and nephews and devoted dog, Orin.