William R. Cole, Jr.

William "Billy" R. Cole Jr., 72, passed away on Saturday, November 4, 2023, in his home in Frederick, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born September 6, 1951, to the late William and Marie Cole in Frederick, where he proudly lived his entire life. Upon graduating from Thomas Johnson High School in 1970, he worked alongside his family at Cole's Pawnbrokers Outlet in downtown Frederick, eventually taking over the business from his father and uncle with his brother, Paul, and cousin, Rick.

Family was always at the center of Bill’s world. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Patty, and his two sons – whom he considered his proudest accomplishments – Jared (Megan) and Todd (Katie). He is also survived by his five grandchildren who lit up his life, Nora, Claire, James, Max, and Maeve, his siblings, Diane Cole, Paul Cole, and David Cole, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family or not, Bill loved to be around people and would do anything for anyone. He had countless friends, and no one he met stayed a stranger for long. His positive outlook and welcoming nature always put people at ease and made him the life of any party. He enjoyed game nights with family and friends and was an avid bowler at Terrace Lanes.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 10 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church Street, Frederick. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, November 11 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist, 118 E. 2nd Street, Frederick. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 515 S. Market Street, Frederick.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at givenow.lls.org or by mailing a check to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087. Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com.