Frank Major Cole

Frank Major Cole, "that driving spinning fullback from the College of the Ozarks, one time thought to be the GREATEST fullback Arkansas has ever seen" (his own personal quote!), went to be with his Lord and Savior this past Friday morning, July 29, 2011. Frank was born to John and Bernice (Maj) Cole of Brinkley, Ark., on March 15, 1926. He and Shorty (Clarissa Stith) married their senior year of high school (class of 1944) several months before he left for training in the Army Air Corps. He was a ball turret gunner during WWII on a B-24 Liberator. He was the last member of his B-24 crew to die. He was a pharmacist by trade and worked in the Jonesboro, Ark., and boot heel of Missouri territory for the Upjohn Company for 30+ years. He was often their top salesman. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He served on the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy for many years. He also served on the Board of Trustees at the University of the Ozarks. Through all of these organizations he met many lifelong friends and buddies. He cherished these people dearly. The week prior to his death in the hospital, he greeted everyone with his trademark expression, "I'm living like a king; never had a bad day in my life!" Up until just moments before he died he told each caregiver that came into his room, "I'm doing just great!" He was forever the optimist. All of you who loved him and cared for him, please know how grateful we are to you for your investment in his life. Special thanks to the Drug Store Crew, the Sunday School Crew, Reggie Cullum, and all his doctors these last couple of years, especially Dr. White and his staff. Thanks also to Amanda for making these last six months so special for him. He will be greatly missed by his children, Pam (Cole) and David Barnett, Rayanna (Cole) and Jerry Brawner, and Mauri Cole. He also leaves behind his precious grandchildren, Jenn (Barnett) and Scott Nipps, Cheryl Ann Barnett, and John David Barnett, Jenise (Brawner) and Stephen Livesay, Julianne (Brawner) and Jared Hoerman, Jenny (Brawner) and Joe Fanning, Courtney (Davison) Carnes, Ben Davison, Claire Cole, and Anastasia Cole. He also has 10 great-grandchildren. Any memorials could be made to the University of the Ozarks, 415 North College Ave., Clarksville, Ark., 72830 or First United Methodist Church, 801 Main St., Jonesboro, Ark., 72401. We know for sure that Daddy is "living with the King, and will never ever have another bad day." Visitation will be Monday from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at First United Methodist Church, Jonesboro, Ark., with Reverend John Miles II officiating on Tuesday at 11 a.m. with Emerson Funeral Home in charge. Active pallbearers Scott Nipps, John David Barnett, Stephen Livesay, Joe Fanning, Jared Hoerman, Ben Davison and Jim Scurlock. Honorary pallbearers are Senator Percy Malone, H. D. Alston MD, Don Douglas PD, Charlie Campbell PD, Reggie Cullum MD, and Doyle E. Gilliam. Burial will be private. To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.