John Wesley Cole, Jr., 101, of Columbia, died on Saturday, November 4, 2023. Born in Camden, SC, on May 22, 1922, he was a son of the late John Wesley Cole, Sr., and Carlene Belvin Cole. Mr. Cole served in the US Army during World War II and was a member of the Ghost Army. During that time, he served as a Radio Engineer where he distracted the enemy with radio devices until US troops were able to plan and act on such plans. Following his service in the military, he owned and operated Custom Music of SC. He was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church and enjoyed fishing and hunting. Mr. Cole was especially fond of spending time at his lake cabin and teaching his nieces and nephews the joy of fishing and water skiing.

Survivors include his nieces and nephew, Becky Cnesich, Greta Hough, Kay Holland, Carl Holland and Gloria Holland; and his sister-in-law, Loretta B. Cole. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rachel Sutherland Cole; and sister, Catherine Holland; and brother, Alton Robert Cole.

The funeral service for Mr. Cole will be held at 11 o'clock, Thursday, November 16th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, with a visitation held prior to the service at 10 o'clock. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort Jackson National Cemetery. There will be a livestream of the service available by visiting ShivesFuneralHome.com.

The family is grateful to Anita Wood and his other caregivers for the many years of support they provided.

Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.