Bernard Earl Cole

January 17, 1929 - December 21, 2021

Bernard “Bernie” or “B.E.” Earl Cole, age 92, of Morristown, Tennessee, passed away December 21, 2021 at Regency Retirement Village with his family by his side. Bernard was born January 17, 1929. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Morristown. B.E. or Mr. Cole, as he was known at work, had an impressive career of 60 plus years in the furniture manufacturing business. In April 1968, he took his knowledge of building furniture& opened his own furniture manufacturing factory, Futuristic, Inc. in Bean Station, Tennessee. His children, Buddy, Betsy, & Sonya grew up working in the factory, & together, they made Futuristic a success. His grandchildren fondly remember getting to visit Futuristic, where they would climb on rolls of fabric & eat honey buns from the food truck that would come by. Mr. Cole, Betsy, & Sonya worked at Futuristic until the close of business in December 2015. Bernard is preceded in death by his wife; Betty Chilton Cole & son; Charles Chilton “Buddy” Cole. He is survived by daughters; Sonya C. Crider (Mike) & Betsy J. Turner (Jerry), grandchildren; Abigail Crider McCoy (Josh), Jenny Cole Adams (John), Julie Turner Connell (Chris), Chris Cole (Yegi), Beth Turner Sliger (Will), Ben Turner, & Anna Jaynes Deering (Jason), great-grandchildren; Mason, Hunter, & Patience McCoy, John, Addalee, Cole & Bo Adams, Elizabeth & Caroline Connell, River, Ari, Sam & Jude Cole, Barrett & Arden Sliger, & Halle & Wren Deering & daughter in law; Elizabeth Cole Jaynes. Bernard loved his large family – his children, grandchildren, & many great-grandchildren. This father, grandfather (affectionately known as Dee-Daddy to his grandchildren), & great grandfather will be greatly missed. A private family burial was held at Jarnagin Cemetery, led by Brother Jack Roach. In lieu of flowers , the family request donations be made to either First Baptist Church of Morristown or Fairfield Baptist Church. Mayes Mortuary is honored to serve the family.