Fred Clifton Cole, Jr., 76, husband of Judith Bayless Cole, passed away Friday, October 13, 2017, at his home.

Born October 16, 1940, in Sumter, he was a son of the late Fred Clifton Cole, Sr. and the late Lillian White Cole. Mr. Cole was a corporate and agricultural pilot, and a master sky diver. He was also the owner and manager of Cole’s Top Hat Restaurant. He was a U.S. navy veteran.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years; three sons, Michael Allen Cole (Lisa), Fred Clifton “Freddie” Cole, III, and David Wesley Cole all of Sumter; four grandchildren, Fred Clifton “Freddie” Cole, IV, Dustin Emery Cole, Cayce Cole, and Bryce Anderson; two great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Rose Smith of Sumter and Patty Ciampi of Houston, Texas.

He was preceded in death by three sisters, Marguerite Veltre, Joanne Crawford, and Eleanor Patterson.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Friday, October 20, 2017, at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home.

Memorials may be made to the Crosswell Children’s Home, 11 Crosswell Dr., Sumter, SC 29150.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

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