OBITUARY: Larry Eulas Cole

In his 80 plus years, Mr. Larry Eulas Cole, had many names (He responded to all of them), Mr. Cole, Honey, Babe, My Man, Sonny, Uncle, Great Uncle, Coach Cole, Big Boss, Big Daddy, G-Daddy, Spring, Springfield, Papa Cole, My Brother, Cousin, Family Man, The Real Cole, #35, Larry, Lar, Big Lar, The Boss, Praying Man, Deacon Cole, Dad, Daddy, was born on August 30, 1945, in Springfield, Tennessee.

And, He enrolled as a student at Tennessee State University after graduating from Springfield’s Bransford High School in 1963. At TSU, Larry was an active member of the TSU baseball team from 1964-1967 as a third baseman. During that time, he led the team in hitting in 1966 and served as the team Captain in 1967.

Larry graduated from Tennessee State University in 1968 with a Bachelors’ degree in Health and Recreation. TSU was also where he met the love of his life, Toney Cole in 1966, married in June 1972 (celebrated 53 years), from that union had two children Kimya Cole, daughter, Kahil Cole, son, (A. Nicole Cole), granddaughter, Blake Cole and Grandson, Caleb Cole.

Other family.. He was a member of two Capital City League teams, Tennessee Pride Sausage and Pabst Jets, winning championships two different years. He was second in batting in the Tri-State League for two years and came in fourth once. Additionally, Larry was selected as a member of the All-Star team.

Larry served as TSU’s assistant baseball coach from 1977-1983. During that time, 18 of the TSU baseball recruits were drafted and signed to Major League baseball contracts. In 1988, Larry was honored for his contributions to baseball as a player by being inducted into the Tennessee State University Athletic Hall of Fame.

He was active in his church Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, 40 plus years, taught Sunday School, Superintendent of Sunday School, Church Van Driver, chair of the Deacon Board, Vacation Bible School Director, provided New Member Orientation, Organizer/Planner/Member of the Progressive God Father/God Son program.

He was active within the Nashville community and coached youth summer baseball leagues in a variety of age groups for more than 20 years. In addition, he often provided one-on-one baseball coaching in support of helping players improve their techniques.

He gives credit to his father, Eulas Cole, Louis Jamison, Allen Robinson, and Tennessee State Baseball Coach Sam Whitmon as positive influences in his life. Larry is retired (February 2013) from Metro Health Department as Director- Pest Management after 43 years where he served in a variety of other positions.

Larry was inducted into the Old Timers Nashville Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame on January 28, 2011 and continued to serve (until his illness prevented him from attending) on the board where he was often invited to begin Old Timers board meetings with a prayer. His prayers were touching, sincere and memorable. All members agreed that Larry was respected, appreciated and a well-loved member of Nashville Old Timers.

Larry led by example, inspired others to believe in themselves, shared his knowledge to help others learn, grow, and see things more clearly. He interacted with all making them feel seen and valued.

Mr. Larry Eulas Cole went to be with the Lord, Sunday, January 4, 2026. We thank God for his life, the memories and the amazing legacy he leaves for all of us!

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