Robert Lee Cole, 94, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026 at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. 

Master Sergeant Army Retired Robert Lee Cole, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026, at age 94. He was born in Society Hill, South Carolina, November 10, 1931 to the late Ananias and Claudia Cole.

After graduating from high school, Robert decided to follow in the footsteps of his father, Ananias Cole, who served in the Army as a Buffalo Soldier. Robert was a decorated veteran who served his country proudly for 21 years. His service began August 1950 when his unit, the 715th Gun Battalion of Brooklyn, NY, was activated. He served four years in Japan with AAA Gun B, and three years in Germany with AAA Missiles. He served with the 82nd Airborne Division, 6th and 7th Special Forces as an Airborne Ranger at Fort Bragg, NC. He served with the 46th Special Forces Company in Thailand, and 5th Special Forces serving two tours in Vietnam. His first tour was with A-303/A-304 Mobile Guerrilla Forces and B-36 Special Forces Recon. His second tour in Vietnam was with MACV SOG CNN as a First Sergeant. He completed the US Army Intelligence School at Fort Holabird, Maryland along with other specialty schools. He was decorated with the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with V Device for Valor, the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medals for Heroism, Combat Infantry Badge, Three Master Jump Wings (United States, Vietnam and Thailand), and many other awards. He was a Lifetime Member of Special Forces, Special Operations Association and DAV. He was mentioned in books written by John Donahue which included “No Greater Love,” “Blackjack 33,” and “Blackjack 34.” Robert was proud that he accomplished so many things in life that were difficult. His diligence, determination and hard work, led him to become part of an elite group of American Warriors known as the “Special Forces – Green Beret.”

After his military career, Robert retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 20 years. He was a strong advocate for the Cole Family Reunions. Robert was a sharp dresser who took pride in his appearance. He also had a love for fishing and photography.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by five sisters, Nellie, Ollie, Perlie, Viola and Margie and one brother, Willie.

He leaves cherished memories with his wife, Celeste; stepsons, Mitchell and Adrian Bryant; daughters, Latisha Cole Falana (Sherman) of Perry, GA, Joyce Cole Davenport (Joe) of Mint Hill, NC, Karen Cole Cunningham (Daryl) of Matthews, NC; sons, Khalil S. Ahmad (Karen) of Yorktown, VA and Steven C. Cole (Stacey) of Rome, NY; grandchildren, Ronna, Carla, Misuelay, Romanda, Joshua, Niyah, Leia, Katelin, Keely, Trevelle, Ebony and Austin; as well as many nieces, nephews, other loving family members, and a host of special friends.