Ray Edward Cole

Ray Edward Cole passed away peacefully at home on November 25, 2025, following a stroke and Congestive Heart Failure.

Ray was born on May 14, 1958 in Sharon, PA to Richard Dean Cole and Hazel Irene Cole.

Ray attended Sharon High School in Pennsylvania and graduated in 1976.  He joined the United States Navy immediately following graduation and he served for four years on the USS Samuel Gompers (AD-37), stationed in San Diego, CA.

It was there in 1976, that he met his wife of 47 years, Charlene (Charlie) at the Ships Bell dancing.  They went on to enjoy several years of dancing the night away.

Ray was a gun enthusiast and enjoyed going out to the desert shooting with family and friends. After hours of shooting, he would always come back exhausted and took a long nap after going with his son, Jeremy but enjoyed when the family went.  Ray was also a huge animal lover and at one time had 3 dogs, 4 cats, 2 snakes and a pet pigeon he brought home as a baby with pin feathers.

Ray is survived by his wife, Charlie, his daughter Chrissy Trimmer, her husband Phil of Maricopa, AZ, son Jeremy Cole of Mesa AZ and 3 grandchildren, Alexis Gilmore, her husband Will of Maricopa, Tyler Trimmer of Maricopa and Abigail Trimmer of Maricopa, as well as his beloved dog, Bella.

Ray is predeceased by his Dad (Richard), Mom (Hazel) and brother (Ron).

At Ray’s request, there will be no services.  Bunker Family and Funeral | Cremation in Mesa is handling his care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley who assisted in his final days or to Maricopa County Animal Shelter.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.