CARROLL REALTY AND INSURANCE - Key Persons
Grady Woodfin ("Woody") Cole died Thursday, April 2, 2020, at home surrounded by his loving family. Born April 18, 1952, in Carrollton, GA, the third child of Earl Woodfin Cole and Marion Lanier Cole, Woody, to all who knew him, could light up a room with his personality and laugh.
After graduating from Carrollton High School in 1970, Woody enrolled at the University of Georgia, where, at the end of his sophomore year, he and the dean decided it best for Woody to take a sabbatical. Considering his options, he chose the United States Army. Following an honorable discharge at the conclusion of his service, Woody returned to the University of Georgia, where he graduated with a degree in Risk Management.
Upon graduation he began his 42-year career in the insurance industry working with his Dad at Carroll Realty & Insurance Company, where he later became President. A legend in the community that he loved, he was a 40-year member of First United Methodist Church and Carrollton Rotary Club. He was a former member of the University of West Georgia Foundation, and a current member of the Tanner Foundation board. He was also active in various other local charities and was a member of the Gridiron Society.
Of great importance to him were his many friends and family. He was generous, charismatic, loving, and fun. He lived life to the fullest and was a true friend to all he met. He loved to tell a good story while smoking a cigar. Woody lived by the saying "If I can help someone as I pass along". He found joy in helping others from all walks of life. A close friend said: "He had incredible humility and love for his fellow mankind."
He is survived by Katharine ("Kathy") Beaty Cole and their three children, Catherine ("Catie") Cole Haynes and her husband John of Atlanta, Edwin Woodfin ("Wood") Cole and his wife Kelly of Carrollton, and Caroline Cole Fisher and her husband Jett of Atlanta; grandchildren Marion Haynes, Jack Haynes, Fin Cole, and Frannie Cole; brother, Charles Edwin ("Eddie") Cole and his wife Sally of Carrollton; two sisters, Carole Cole Musarra of Atlanta, and Connie Cole Jones and her husband Randy of New York City; several adoring nieces and nephews and devoted dog, Orin.
In 2003, Jay graduated from The University of Georgia with a B.B.A in risk management and insurance from the Terry College of Business. Upon graduation, Jay worked for a national life insurance brokerage firm, focusing on life insurance essential to businesses, such as "key person" insurance and buy-sell agreements. He joined the CR&I team in 2005. Jay is a graduate of the Carroll County Leadership Academy and a Past-President of the Carrollton and Heard County Kiwanis Club. Jay specializes in the construction industry, manufacturing, and agriculture. He and his wife Brooke enjoy spending time with family, the great outdoors, and attending UGA football games.
Larry started at CR&I as a college intern in 1974. He was hired immediately after graduation and has worked at CR&I ever since. Larry graduated with a B.B.A. from the University of West Georgia in 1974. He also served in the Air Force Reserves for 6 years. Since becoming an agent, Larry has obtained the two most prestigious insurance designations; the CIC and CPCU designations. Larry, Woody, and Eddie became partners in the agency in 1988. Larry has served several organizations in the community such as the Kiwanis Club and Optimist Club. He has been President of the Sunset Hill Country Club Board of Directors and also President of the Carrollton High School Booster Club.
Larry has 3 children and he also has 5 wonderful grandchildren.
Graduate from Carrollton High School and the University of Mississippi with a B.B.A. in Risk Management and Insurance. Taylor began his career in the insurance business starting as an intern at CR&I in 2003. After obtaining his degree in 2006, he became a full member of the team at our headquarters in Carrollton. He serves as the Past-President of the Optimist Club of Carrollton and is an integral part of their "Clothing for the Growing" program. Taylor volunteers as the assistant golf coach for the Carrollton Junior High School, Carrollton High School, and serves as the chair for the annual Optimist Club Golf tournament. Taylor's wife, Amber, is a CPA at a local business, and they have two children Quinn and Lizzie. Taylor and Amber enjoy Ole Miss sports and playing golf.