Ernest Ray Cole

Ernest Ray Cole, 69, of Johnson City, TN, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Johnson City Medical Center with his loving wife of 46 years, Mary Lou, by his side.

Ernest was born in Johnson City, TN on November 1, 1956 to the late Melvin Cole and Jeanette Long Cole. He was the 11th child out of 13. He was a loyal employee of RR Donelley, working there for 22 years before retiring. Ernest will be remembered as a loving husband, uncle, brother, and stepfather. If you knew Ernest, you knew that he was a gentle giant who loved to cut up. You would also know that he had the silliest laugh and a smile so contagious you couldn't help but to smile too.

In addition to his parents, Ernest is preceded in death by his sisters Christine, Shirley, and Evelyn; brothers Tommy, Clarence, Leroy, and Kenny.

Survivors include the love of his life, Mary Lou of Johnson City; stepson Scotty (Miranda) Busler of Johnson City; brothers Harry, Larry, David, Rodger (Lucy), and Fred; special nieces Rebecca (Michael) Fraysier of Gray, Angela (Samuel) McCants of Virginia Beach, and Leanne "Baby" Cole of Jonesborough; mother-in-law, Geraldine Elrod; sisters-in-law Sherry Copas (George) and Pam Richardson of Johnson City; brother-in-law, Bobby Busler (Beth); and many many more cousins, nieces, and nephews.

To honor his request, Ernest wished to be cremated with no funeral services.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Doctors and Nurses at Johnson City Medical Center ICU for taking such great care of Ernest and making him as comfortable as possible during his passing.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family, online condolences can be shared with the family on our website at www.trinitymemorialcenters.com.