Adm. (Ret.) Robert Stanley Cole, 78, of Smithfield passed away on Sept. 19, 2019 at his residence.  Born in West Point, N.Y., he was the son of the late Stanley Cole and Dorothy Virginia Orben Cole.  Mr. Cole is survived by his wife, Paula Diane Cole; daughters, Tami Lee Cole and Jennifer Lynn Heft (John); son, Brian Lee Strange; granddaughter, Austin Heft; and several cousins.  He was also preceded in death by his brother, Donald Edward Cole.  

Mr. Cole proudly served for 34 years in the United States Navy, and following his retirement from the Navy he worked several years as a general manager with the Pomoco Automotive Group. Mr. Cole was a member of Liberty Baptist Church. He was very active in the community serving in the Kiwanis Club, The Smithfield Little Theatre, Isle of Wight County Chamber of Commerce, and was one of the founding members of the Isle of Wight Education Foundation.  In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made to Liberty Baptist Church, www.libertylive.church, or the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department, 1804 S. Church St, Smithfield, VA 23430. Services will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.