Michael Ray Cole
Michael Ray Cole of Holdenville, OK, gained his eternal healing on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. Michael was born to John and Sandra (Rutledge) Cole in Kermit, TX, on December 12, 1967. He graduated from Odom High School in 1986. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in ministry from Abilene Christian University in 1990. Michael later received his teaching certification in history from College of the Southwest in Carlsbad, NM. Michael married Angie Holliman in Abilene, TX, on March 13, 1999. They lived in New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. He was member of the East Main Church of Christ in Holdenville.
Michael worked as a youth minister in Virginia, New Mexico, and Ohio. He later taught in Karnes City, DeSoto, and Keller, TX. He taught history and math. Michael and Angie worked together at Christ’s Havens Children’s Home in Keller, TX, before moving to Oklahoma in 2012. He and Angie were very fond of the kiddos and enjoyed staying in touch with many of them, seeing them grow, marry, and begin families of their own.
Michael was an avid sports fan and greatly enjoyed the OU-Texas rivalry with his wife. He and friend Earl Dunkleberger always looked forward to the OU-Texas game to see who would be making the congratulatory call. Michael was a Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers fan; and, to Angie’s enjoyment he would cheer for the University of Oklahoma Women’s Softball team. Michael greatly enjoyed playing cards and other games with family and friends.
Michael was preceded in death by his father, John Richard Cole; grandparents, John and Reecie Cole, Lee and Katherine Rutledge, and his Granny “Skeet” Rutledge.
He is survived by his wife, Angie of the home; his mother, Sandra Cole of Katy, TX; sisters and brothers-in-law, Cathy and Brian Irby of Odessa, TX, and Johnna and Dan Sherer of Houston, TX; and father and mother-in-law, Gene and Donna Holliman of Holdenville, OK. Other survivors include brother-in-law, Todd Holliman of Holdenville; nieces, Katie Irby of Odessa, TX, Scarlet Schmitz and Harper Sherer of Houston, TX; and nephews, Bryr and Tytan Holliman of Holdenville, OK. Michael’s nieces and nephews lovingly called him Uncle Duck because he could talk in the Donald Duck voice. He is also survived by his lifelong best friends Gene Heiser and Kevin Leonard; and his very special friend, Raeann Byerly, who never failed to keep him full of sopapillas. Michael was loved deeply and is missed by his aunts, uncles and cousins.
There will be no service as per Michael’s wishes.
Michael did not fear death. He had many health issues throughout his short life, but in that time, he touched so many people. If you met him, you instantly liked him. Michael never complained - even when he was in pain - and always made the most of every good moment he was given. Because of that, Angie, his family, and friends are left with many amazing memories. He was proud of a life well-lived and saw his transition to Paradise as a reward for that life. He wanted nothing more than to serve his Lord and for his friends and family to know Jesus before it is too late.
In lieu of flowers, Michael requested donations be made to: St. Jude’s Children’s Medical Research and Hospital (stjude. org/donate) or The Ark House of Dallas, TX, (arkhousedallas. org/funding).