Johnny Cole
With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” - Revelation 21:3,4
Obituary
Update: Funeral Arrangements
Memorial Talk this Saturday at 1:00 pm
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
6517 Jim Ramsey Road Vancleave
Johnny Garland Cole, 59, a beloved husband, brother, friend, and cherished member of the Vancleave, Mississippi, community, passed away on October 25, 2025. He was born on September 16, 1966, to John Emery and Jennie Kathalena (Murphy) Cole and grew up in Vancleave. A graduate of Vancleave High School, Class of 1985, Johnny’s life was marked by devotion, kindness, and unwavering faith, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jennie Cole, and is survived by his devoted wife, Lauri Sue (Natschke) Cole, whom he married on February 25, 1989, along with family and friends who will forever treasure the love and memories he shared.
As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Johnny was an avid Bible reader and volunteered to teach others about the Bible, finding guidance and purpose in sharing his faith.
A long-time music journalist, archivist, and educator, Johnny had a deep passion for music and spent many years exploring and sharing its world. From his early experiences attending concerts to founding The Southland Music Line, he documented, preserved, and celebrated the stories of artists and venues. He especially enjoyed traveling for music, attending concerts, and exploring new music scenes. His work reflected not only his appreciation for music but also his genuine curiosity and respect for the people behind it.
Known for his warmth, generosity, and integrity, Johnny brought joy to everyone around him.
All are invited to attend a funeral talk for Johnny at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, located at 6517 Jim Ramsay Rd, Vancleave, MS 39565, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 1 p.m. Following an opening song and prayer, a close friend will deliver an encouraging, Bible-based talk to provide comfort to all in attendance.
For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom option will be available:
Zoom Meeting ID: 335 714 4470
Passcode: 315608
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October 29, 2025
Johnny Cole was a dear friend, a passionate documentarian and enjoyer of music, and a kind soul. Johnny was a faithful cheerleader for me, often saying he felt as though people must get tired of hearing him talk about my music. When I had no one championing me in the music industry, I knew Johnny believed in me and that always spurred me on. I hear his cheerful chuckle as he laughs at himself rambling over the phone, and I smile imagining the joy he also gave to so many others.
May the Lord Jesus hold Johnny near to His heart, as we mourn him and celebrate his vibrant life of service. Johnny Cole truly kept music alive in all of his meaningful work.
May the Lord Jesus hold Johnny near to His heart, as we mourn him and celebrate his vibrant life of service. Johnny Cole truly kept music alive in all of his meaningful work.
October 29, 2025
With a staggering number of live music events witnessed, Johnny wasn’t just a home listener…he was a seeker. 600+ different venues visited on multiple continents. Countless A-list performers heard live, and quite often several dates of the same tour. A 50 year career of chronicling live music experiences.
With all that being said, he made it clear how much he loved his family, his friends, and being at home.
I’ll forever be a better music fan because of Johnny.
Rest in rhythm, harmony, and melody.
With all that being said, he made it clear how much he loved his family, his friends, and being at home.
I’ll forever be a better music fan because of Johnny.
Rest in rhythm, harmony, and melody.
October 28, 2025
It was always an honor to see Johnny show up to a show and we were blessed many times by his presence. Many of those times upon seeing him, Anthony would start singing a song off the cuff called “Johnny Cole”.. I know I have it on video and am on a mission to find those moments. What can I say that hasn’t been said… he was an incredible journalist and archivist. Never seen anyone keep more or better records than Johnny. He showed up one night at Jacks by the Tracks because he heard Anthony Crawford was playing and he had seen Anthony play with Steve Winwood or Neil Young or both back in the 80’s. He never seemed to forget a thing. I believe he started the Southland Music Line that night and all us musicians were beneficiaries of it. He wrote many articles about Sugarcane Jane but the one that brings tears to my eyes to this day is Why we love Sugarcane Jane as told by friends and fans. I cannot tell you what that article meant to me and Anthony and how poignant it was that he published it the night he did. Johnny had such a sweet soul and cared deeply for the music community. I can tell you that there will be a huge void along the Gulf Coast and I just hope he knew how much he was loved and appreciated even though it may not have always shown in likes or comments. Everyone loved Johnny. Our hearts go out to Laurie and his family and friends. God bless you all. We love you JC.
October 28, 2025
Johnny was a great friend. Good friends from youth on and a more caring friend you won’t find. When i lost my brother, Johnny came straight over to give me support, even though he was dealing with a severe leg injury. He said ‘There’s no way I wasn’t coming over and supporting you. You and Danny are like family’! I look so forward to seeing you again in paradise! Where we can act like the energetic guys we loved to be! And Lauri, my family is always here for you. And may Jehovah always sustain you🫶🏼.
October 28, 2025
Johnny was one of the first people that ever encouraged my songwriting. I will be forever grateful.
October 28, 2025
For the past three years, I have spent many hardworking, fun-filled hours writing and editing with Johnny for The Southland Music Line. It has been rewarding, enjoyable, and I got the added bonus of spending time at musical events with the nicest person you could ever want to meet. Johnny and I talked a lot about music, but he was so much more than that. If you knew Johnny, you knew he was a sincere, caring soul who genuinely sought and found the best in people. He was a wonderful friend to me, and I am so grateful that I met him and had the opportunity to know him for the wonderful person he was. No more lists, no more deadlines, Johnny. I hope you are listening to all of your favorite music. I know I will see you again, so please be sure to "save me a seat." Rest easy, dear friend.
October 28, 2025
We already miss you, Johnny, and I enjoyed our friendship. Thank you once again for the incredible support you gave to us in the Gulf Coast music community.
October 28, 2025
Rest easy my friend. All those kind words will be remembered.
October 28, 2025
Johnny Cole, you were there when I first started touring by myself 15 years ago. You were there when so many of us started our journeys into the unknown and uncertain world, and you were there to put wind in our sails and lift us all up as we learned lessons and developed in our creativity. You captured our successes and struggles with a care and curiosity that was a permanent fixture in your spirit. Thank you for your bottomless interest in not only the music, but in the musicians themselves. I’ll be playing loud for ya in New York City tomorrow. I love you, buddy.
October 28, 2025
I’m really going to miss you, Johnny (Uncle Buck). So many memories over the years, especially us sitting on the porch drinking sweet tea and laughing about everything. Love you always, and love and prayers to you Lauri. ❤️
October 28, 2025
I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Johnny who gave so much love, wisdom, and encouragement to the music community. His kindness, devotion, and gentle soul touched so many. He spoke often of his beloved wife. My heart goes out to her. He will be deeply missed by so many and always remembered.
October 28, 2025
I moved to Mobile 9 years ago. Fairly early on I saw Johnny at a music event. I was very new to local music but I learned quickly that I was at the right place if Johnny was there.
October 28, 2025
A world without Johnny Cole is near impossible to imagine. If anyone has ever been a true lover of music and just an incredible human…it is Johnny. Of any articles I’ve had written or any press received, the articles written by Johnny are my most prized. Johnny cared about music with such passion and dedication, you could feel it in every word he spoke or wrote. He made it his mission to promote original music on our sometimes overlooked Gulf Coast. I’ve watched Johnny encourage young writers who were gaining their footing in a sometimes cruel business. I’ve been on the receiving end of that same encouragement. Lauri, thank you for allowing all of our music community to spend time with Johnny over the years. We all love him and are here for you as well. He will be missed.
October 28, 2025
Johnny was one of those people whose warmth touched everyone he met. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word to share.
He was one of the first people to encourage me as a songwriter when my voice felt too small to share, and I'll always be grateful for the times he shared it.
Until his last days, he vehemently pursued his greatest passion-- music.
I will always appreciate his kindness and his dedication to original artists and he and Stephen Anderson 's The Southland Music Line.
What he did meant a lot to me and so many others.
It was only a couple of months ago that he made time to catch one of my local shows. He had a way of making people feel important-- special.
I wish I'd chatted with him longer.
The world just got a lot dimmer without Johnny in it.
He was one of the first people to encourage me as a songwriter when my voice felt too small to share, and I'll always be grateful for the times he shared it.
Until his last days, he vehemently pursued his greatest passion-- music.
I will always appreciate his kindness and his dedication to original artists and he and Stephen Anderson 's The Southland Music Line.
What he did meant a lot to me and so many others.
It was only a couple of months ago that he made time to catch one of my local shows. He had a way of making people feel important-- special.
I wish I'd chatted with him longer.
The world just got a lot dimmer without Johnny in it.
October 28, 2025
Lauri I am so sorry to hear this news. I met Johnny and of course Andy back in 2016 at The Listening Room in Mobile. They were 2 of the 10 that were at Darcy Malone and The Tangles first show there. We played like we always did……like our musical direction hung in the balance w each show! Well needless to say Johnny came up and introduced himself to us after the show. This started a friendship with him from that day until …now. I was so happy to invite he and Johnny and Steve to a couple of our shows in New Orleans. They drove all the way to see us. I will never forget those visits. He and Andy were our guests at the JazzFest. Had them both side stage on the biggest one there. Both he and Andy gave us so much confidence and support. Damn Im just at a loss for words…. I love you Johnny and I know you are in a place with endless music and beauty surrounding you in eternal peace and happiness. Until meet again….. Love you very much….Billy Schell
October 28, 2025
Johnny was a very dear friend to me in high school. Anyone that knew us knew that one could not be found without the other for quite a while. We shared our love of music, comedy, and just loving life. I’ve lost touch with Johnny over the years, but would run into him on occasion and share our memories together, having a laugh and talking about the stupid stuff we did as a comedic duo.
As one often does, I regret all the times I wanted to reach out to him and just put it off for another day. Never put it off, it may be too late.
My heart is very heavy today. I will mourn his loss for the rest of my life.
As one often does, I regret all the times I wanted to reach out to him and just put it off for another day. Never put it off, it may be too late.
My heart is very heavy today. I will mourn his loss for the rest of my life.
October 28, 2025
Johnny was amongst the sweetest men I've ever known. I am blessed to call him my friend. He effortlessly loved music as THE immersive experience of being human. He was such an encouragement to me and many other artists he featured on his site, the Southland Music Line. The life he lived was special & he was a special man. I will always remember you fondly, my friend. Rest in peace Johnny Cole.
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