Andrew Michael Cole, of Thompson’s Station, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Andrew was a beloved and devoted husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and friend. He was a highly decorated combat veteran who honorably served for 28 years in both the United States Army and the Army National Guard, retiring in 2018. His distinguished career spanned service as both an enlisted Soldier and a commissioned Officer and included numerous awards, schools, and badges, as well as multiple deployments to Desert Storm, Panama, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Eastern Europe. Andrew’s commitment to leadership and mentorship was unwavering; impacting his Soldiers’ lives in a positive and lasting way was always paramount to him.

Following his military retirement, Andrew became a small business owner, pouring his energy, passion and creativity into his work while remaining deeply involved in his local community. He possessed a rare combination of intelligence, creativity, and drive along with a sharp wit and infectious sense of humor. Andrew had a rare charisma that lit up every room he entered; his laughter was unmistakable his presence magnetic. He was passionate, generous, fiercely loving and protective. He was never afraid to speak up for what he believed in and was known for standing firmly for those he loved and those who could not stand up for themselves His wife often joked there was almost nothing he wasn’t immediately good at. Andrew was truly one of a kind—remarkable, gregarious, intelligent, vibrant, tenacious, and magnetic.

Andrew was also a passionate soccer coach to all of his own children and a mentor to countless others, always eager to encourage, teach and advocate. Above all else, Andrew was a deeply devoted father and grandfather. His greatest pride and joy was his family. His love was fierce, unwavering, and ever present, and those closest to him felt protected, encouraged, and believed in simply by being loved by him.

On July 22, 2024, Andrew suffered a devastating car accident. He fought bravely through extensive treatment at Vanderbilt ICU in Nashville and the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, with his beloved wife, Tiffany, constantly by his side as his caregiver and advocate. Against overwhelming odds, he was able to return home in November 2024, though completely paralyzed from the neck down due to a C3 spinal cord injury and requiring complex care.

Even in the face of unimaginable loss and physical limitations, Andrew faced each day with extraordinary courage and grace, adapting to immense challenges without complaint. He maintained a remarkably positive spirit and overcame more than most could ever imagine, before ultimately succumbing to complications from his injuries.

Andrew will be forever missed and remembered as the one of a kind and extraordinary man he was.

He is survived and deeply missed by his wife, Tiffany; daughters Allenia and Claire; stepdaughter Haven; sons Aedan and Atticus; granddaughters Ema and Sutton; father Melvin; and brother Matthew.

Andrew’s legacy will live on through the priceless memories he created and the countless lives he touched, the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave so freely. Though his time here was far too short, his presence will be felt for generations through the strength, love and character he instilled in those who carry him on.

An outdoor Celebration of Life with military honors will be held on January 25, 2026, at 3:00PM at the family’s farm – Huckleberry Farm, 2833 Thompson Station Road, East; Thompson’s Station, Tennessee 37179. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Andrew’s name to the charity of your choice.