Mr. Claude Billy Cole, age 87 of McCaysville, GA passed away Sunday, March 27, 2016.

Born on November 18, 1928 in Chattanooga, TN, he was the son of the late James William Cole and Marybelle Thomas Cole. He served his country faithfully as a Sergeant for the United States Air Force. As a long time member of the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Copperhill, TN, he thoroughly enjoyed singing with the Church Choir. He retired after many years of service with the Tennessee Copper Company where he was employed as a boilermaker.

Survivors include his wife, Geneva Stamey Cole; son, William R. Cole (Sharon); daughter, Sharon Cole Willis; step-daughter, Phyllis Panter; grandchildren, Michael Cole, Jessica Fuller, Charles Fussier, Jennifer Panter and Michael Panter; five grandchildren; and a nephew, Jackie Cole (Joyce).

Funeral Services will be conducted on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. from the Akins Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jimmy Cheatham officiating. Music will be provided by Ann Cheatham and Theresa Bailey. Interment will follow in the Crestlawn Cemetery with full military honors provided by the North Georgia Honor Guard. The following gentlemen were selected to serve as pallbearers: Jimmy Harris, Paul Dockery, Barry Thomas, Daniel Hicks, Lynn Ross and Rev. Al Patterson. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour of 1:00 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA is in charge of the arrangements.