Beny Rolfe Cole (Teacher)

OLE, Benny Rolfe died in Troy, Ohio on August 12th at the age of 88. Benny was born on July 26, 1923 in Palestine, OH to Carl and Eco Cole. He is preceded by sister, Phyllis Dubbs of New Madison, OH, and nephews Dean and Gale Dubbs. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years - Priscilla Hall Cole, son Jeffrey, sister Joanne Clark, grandsons Benjamin, Joseph, Alexander and James, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He cared deeply for his extended family and took advantage of every opportunity to be a meaningful part of their lives. Benny graduated from Palestine High School in 1941 and was granted a basketball scholarship to Miami University. He served in the Marine Corps ROTC and proudly served his country during WWII as a Lieutenant in the Marine Corps 1st and 4th Divisions and was stationed in China and elsewhere in the Pacific. Benny returned to Miami University to start on the 1946-47 basketball team. It was during this time Benny met the love of his life - Priscilla Hall. They married in June 1947 and remained soul mates for 64 years. Benny was a head basketball coach and teacher for the next 30 years, starting in West Milton, then at Greenville, Vandalia and finally at Colonel White High in Dayton. He was also an assistant football coach, track and field judge and baseball umpire. Whether through teaching or sports, Benny loved working with young people and touched the lives of many in these communities.

Benny was a lifelong golfer and active member of Troy Country Club since 1958. Always a stout competitor, more than anything he cherished his many friends there. Although Benny has passed, he will be remembered as one of the good guys. He was a loving husband, dedicated father, and a man who measured success not in monetary terms but in the number of friends and family in whose lives he made a positive difference. A memorial service will be held at the Troy Country Club on Saturday, August 27th at 11am. A short dedication service will begin promptly at 11am and will be followed by an opportunity to mingle and share memories with family and friends. The family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions be mailed to:

Hospice of Miami County, Troy, OH 45373