John "Johnny" L. Cole

John “Johnny” Langston Cole, of Afton Road, Danville, VA passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Sovah Health in Danville after a decline in health for the last several years. Johnny was born in Danville, VA on January 21, 1941 a son of the late Jessie Gilbert Cole and Florence Gunnell Cole. He spent all of his life in the Danville area where he graduated from Whitmell Farm Life School in 1959. During his youth, he worked on his family’s tobacco farm, where he gained a respect for the land and hard work. The night he graduated high school, Johnny went to work at Dan River Mills. Then he worked in a factory for Stallion Tobacco Company in Lynchburg and completed an accounting course at VPI Extension, now called Danville Community College. He began his career as a tobacco buyer for Dibrell Brothers Tobacco Company in 1960. Then he worked at Carolina Leaf, Austin, Monk-Austin, and DIMON, finishing his career at Alliance One International as a contractor after 53 years of experience in the industry. Johnny was co-founder and co-owner of Blairs Bright Leaf, a successful warehouse that he ran for ten years. He was an outspoken supporter of farmers and their vital role in the American economy, even opposing uranium mining in the area owing to the potential harm to crops. Johnny was a Mason in the Carter Lodge 323. He also attended Grace Design Church. On June 9, 1973, he married Shelia Adkins Cole, who survives, of the residence. In addition to his wife, Johnny is survived by his son, John L. Cole, II of Danville, VA; his daughter, Julia Wellman and her husband, Jeff of Richmond, VA; his sister, Faye Haymore and her husband H.F. Haymore of Danville, VA; niece, Tara Polhamus and her husband, Will; nephew, Todd Haymore and his wife, Margaret; and four great nieces and one great nephew. The family wishes to thank special caretakers Bonnie Wilson and Dawn Scarce and the staff of Roman Eagle Rehab and Care Center. A funeral service will be conducted on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. at the Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel with the Reverend Mike Hearp and the Honorable H.F. Haymore officiating. Interment will follow the service in Highland Burial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family suggest that memorial donations be made to Mount Hermon Fire and Rescue at 4268 Franklin Turnpike Danville, VA 24540. Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel is respectfully serving the Cole family.

John "Johnny" L. Cole

January 21, 1941 - January 2, 2024