Ralph Edward “Buddy” Cole, 87, of Portsmouth, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the SOMC Hospice Center. He was born on August 12, 1937, in Lewis County, KY, to the late Ollie Marion and Carrie Hauck Cole.
Ralph was a member of Laborers Local 83 and had served in the Ohio National Guard. He enjoyed hunting, especially coon hunting, and live country music. A Christian, as a younger man he had been a CB Radio enthusiast and drag racer.
Surviving is his wife of 63 years, Polly Ann Burton Cole. The bride’s father married the couple on May 20, 1961, in Portsmouth. Also surviving is his sister, Ruth Ison of Portsmouth; two grandchildren, Nathan Cole and Sara Cole; and several great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Edward Cole; and the uncle and aunt who reared him, Walter Bruce and Hester Cole.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 2 P.M. at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth with Pastor Randy Schintzius officiating and interment in Greenlawn Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from noon until the funeral hour on Wednesday.
Memorial contributions may be made to SOMC Hospice, 2201-25th St. Portsmouth, OH 45662.