Roll Call Tribute

William Crawford "Will" Cole 

March 20, 1935 - February 8, 2026 

William Crawford Cole went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 8, 2026. He was born on March 20, 1935, in the farming community of Munger, Limestone County, Texas to parents Thomas William and Virgie Cole. Will attended Munger School for two years and graduated from Hubbard High School in 1952, attended Texas A&M College, and earned a degree in Civil Engineering in 1956 and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the Ordinance Branch of the U.S. Army.

He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at the age of 12 at the Welcome Baptist Church in Munger. He was active in Baptist Churches in the cities where he lived. Will was a member of Gideons International and served various positions in the Dallas area where he led others in prayer and placement of Bibles and Testaments.

Will worked for the Texas Highway Department in Waco for four years and became registered as a Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor. His work led him to the City of Cleburne as City Engineer and later City Manager. After five years he managed projects in Marfa and Comanche Texas before moving to Irving, Texas and working for a consulting engineering company. This work involved design and management of projects for water, sewer, drainage and pavement for cities and land developers in the Northeast Texas area.

He was a member of the Rotary Club and had 25 years of perfect attendance. He was a volunteer member of Irving Community Development Corporation for 15 years assisting in the building of homes for low-income families. Will was recognized for 50 years of service as a Professional Engineer by the Governor of Texas and was awarded The High-Spirited Citizen Award by the City of Irving.

Will married Mary Clayton, January 25, 1958. There were born to them two sons in their 25 years of marriage.

After 2 years of single life, he met Bettye Davis Tate and fell in love with her and her family. They were married February 22, 1987. They have enjoyed working together at Gideons International, serving in their churches and visiting with their combined families.

Will is preceded in death by his parents, sister Jeanette Cole, and brother Donald Edward Cole.

He is survived by his wife Bettye Cole, sons William Terry '82 (wife Pam '82) Cole, John Thomas '85 (wife Laura) Cole and Bettye's children Sheilah (husband Leon) Adkins and Charles (wife Patrica) Tate. Grandchildren: Mary Ann (husband Joe) Perdue, William Andrew (wife Heather) Cole, Anna Cole '16, James Adkins, and Karah (Jason) Wilkes. Great Grandchildren: Rebecca Perdue, Josh Perdue, Julia Perdue, Nathaniel Perdue, Lily Cole, Addison Cole, Margaret Wilkes, Juliet Wilkes, and Eleanor Wilkes.