Obituary of Billy Cole III

William Oliver Cole III, (aka Billy, Wildman, BoBo, Dad, Uncle Billy, and Grumpa) passed away September 8th from a serious brain injury that he had sustained two weeks prior. The St. Alphonsus Boise ICU staff did everything they could for him but the injury was too severe. Though Billy's spirit has gone from this world he did one more act of service that will live on for years, through the gift of organ donation! Billy was born to William O Cole Jr. and Judy A. Zerger-Cole on February 21st 1974 in Cheverly, MD From the hospital they went home to Brandywine MD. They moved to Idaho in 1979 and stayed, Billy graduated from Nampa High in 1993, where his favorite teacher was Mr. Beall, and his favorite class was AG/FFA. He is survived by 5 siblings, and 3 children. Marrissa Thurman (Jase Thurman), William O Cole IV (Becca Harned), and Randee Cole. He has 3 grandchildren, Oliver Lawrence Cole (Jase & Marrissa Thurman), One on the way (William & Becca), One with wings who greeted him at the gates of heaven (Randee Cole). Billy has always been a hard worker starting a lawn mowing company at just 14 yrs. old, it didn't make him a lot of money and he always made sure to take care of the older folks even saying "Oh Mom, I don't charge the little old ladies". He then started a job at Skipper's, the restaurant, at 15. In his adult life Billy has cared for persons with mental and physical disabilities in group homes and day centers, even volunteered with the special Olympics on occasion. This job was incredibly close to his heart and he made it a point to involve his children in his life of work so they would grow up knowing that no matter the differences someone has they are people, they are valuable, and they deserve to have friends, be loved and cherished. Which he did love and cherished each and every client!

Billy loved hunting, fishing, camping, and throwing darts. He was always the first up at camp so he could get a fire going, he loved being in charge of the campfires. He also loved throwing darts on league and for fun with his family and friends, but more importantly with his Grandpa Bud Zerger (who preceded him in death in April 2021) and his Stepdad Tom Floyd who taught him the ropes. Eventually the student surpassed the teacher and loved to make sure they knew it! The family would like to thank everyone for the love and support they have been shown through this difficult time. As well as, thank the St. Alphonsus Trauma and ICU team in Boise for the care they showed to Billy and to the family as a whole. Date for the Celebration of Life is still TBD but the family will make sure everyone gets notice.