Fair Bluff, NC -- Mr. Garlen Lester Cole, Sr., 80, died Friday, February 1. Mr. Cole, the youngest son of Henry Houston and Josephine Cribbs Cole, was a lifelong resident of Fair Bluff. A 1945 graduate of Fair Bluff High School, he was employed by the Scott family, remaining as a loyal employee for 53 years. He began his career with Scotts in 1940 at the age of 12, taking up tickets at the Scotty Theatre. Affectionately known as the "pump man", Mr. Cole installed irrigation systems for farmers across eastern North and South Carolina before retiring in 1993. Mr. Cole was a charter member of the Fair Bluff Volunteer Fire Department where he served as the organization's fire chief from 1956 until 1961, and for his years of service, the Cole Fire District was named after him. Mr. Cole organized the Fair Bluff Rescue Squad, and he was active in local government, serving as a town commissioner and mayor of Fair Bluff. A long-time member of Fair Bluff Baptist Church, Mr. Cole served as a deacon for 43 years, taught Sunday School, served as Sunday School superintendent and sat on various church committees. Mr. Cole is survived by his wife of 57 years, Annie Kathryn Cole of the home, the couple's three children, Kathryn Sides (David) of Cheraw, SC, Les Cole of Fair Bluff, NC and Gregg Cole (Renee) of Cerro Gordo, NC and three grandsons, Bartley Sides, Davidson Sides and Joshua Cole. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday at Fair Bluff Baptist Church with Dr. Ray Lundy, Dr. Floyd Enzor and the Rev. Elmore Strickland officiating. Burial will follow at the Powell Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Meares Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Fair Bluff Fire and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 645, Fair Bluff, NC 28439 or Fair Bluff Baptist Church, P.O. Box 217, Fair Bluff, NC 28439.

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