Neil Llewellyn Cole, 68, passed away Monday, November 28, 2016 at Covenant Place in Sumter, SC.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Lowndes Funeral Home and Crematory, Columbus, MS. Inurnment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

Mr. Cole was born March 22, 1948 to the late Kenneth and Virginia Simonds Cole in Waverly, NY. He served 24 years in the United States Air Force and received the following awards for his service; 2 AF Meritorious Service Medals, 3 AF Commendation Medals, 2 Achievement Medals, and Humanitarian Medal for service during hurricane Huge, Vietnam Campaign medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. The Small Business Administration state of Mississippi's Star Performer Award, The Deputy Secretary of Defense Tandy Weaver Memorial Award for demonstrating outreach and community involvement that increase awareness of local small business capabilities for performing the Air Force mission at the installation level (the first ever awarded) and the Secretary of the Air Force Small Business Special Recognition Award for best support of small business entities, Secretary of the Air Force Excellence in Contracting Award for the Air Education and Training Command, AF Program Excellence Award for Combat and Mission Support and was coined by the Joint Chiefs of Staff for his contributions to the Air Force. Mr. Cole married his late wife Karron Weeks Cole on August, 30, 1991. He was a member of Fairview Baptist Church where he participated in the adult choir, 55+ ministry and Fruits of His Labor Home Maintenance Ministry. Mr. Cole had lived in Columbus, MS for the past 21 years having moved from Lubbock, TX.

Mr. Cole is survived by his children- Sherri (Eric) Grice and Lori (Stan) Howell; step-children- Marvin (Mendi) Weeks, Gwen (Mark) Swanson; grandchildren- Greyson Grice, Alex Weeks, Ellie Weeks; sister- Judi Price and brother- Keith Cole.

Memorials may be made to Fairview Music Ministry or Fruits of His Labor Home Maintenance Ministry 127 Airline Road, Columbus, MS 39702.