Mark Douglas Cole

Mark Douglas Cole, age 74, of Clarkesville, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Born on October 31, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, Mark was the beloved son of the late James and Rose Hisle Cole.

Mark enjoyed an extraordinary and distinguished career in the racing industry. From the very beginning of Toyota’s involvement in motorsports, he played a vital role in the movement and operation of Toyota Racing’s motorcoaches and tractor trailers that supported its racing programs. His dedication spanned decades and numerous racing series, including IMSA in its early days, stadium truck racing, Baja off-road racing, CART, IRL, and NASCAR. Mark also took great pride in helping host Toyota dealers and VIP guests at racing events and was well known and respected by many Toyota associates across the country.

Above all else, Mark treasured time spent with his wife and family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a wonderful Papa/Poppa whose presence brought joy and stability to those around him. His faith was central to his life, and he was a faithful member of Hollywood Baptist Church, where he served as an Adult Sunday School teacher and contributed faithfully on the church’s maintenance committee.

In addition to his parents, Mark was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Justin August Wren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Judy Falconer Cole; daughter and son-in-law, Dawn-Michelle Pappas (Ted); son and daughter-in-law, Kevin Eric Wren (Janine); brothers, James Cole and John Cole; sisters, Lyn Asp, Becky Yoder, and Susan Tribble; grandchildren, Michael Cole Wren, Jayden Vidal, Jessica Zornosa, Justine Ringor, Jayme Adling, and Julia Pappas; great-grandchildren, Okcana Miller, Vyktor Vidal, Archer Ringor, Rawley Ringor, Samuel Zornosa, Marco Zornosa, and Beatrice Adling; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives, life-long friend since the age of 5, Benny White and many other friends who will miss him dearly.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home, with Pastor Chuck Johnson and Dr. Don Samples officiating. Interment will follow in the Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery in Clarkesville.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until the service hour on Wednesday.

An online guest registry is available for the Cole family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706-778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.