Preston Furtado Cole

Preston Furtado Cole, affectionately known to many as "Preacher Man," was called home to glory on the 30th of December, 2023. Born on the 12th of April, 1947, on the sun-kissed shores of Honolulu, Hawaii, Preacher Man embarked on his earthly journey that would span over seven and a half decades, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those he touched.

Raised by the late Irvin R. Cole and Margaret Furtado, alongside his siblings, the late Robert Cole, Kathy Miller, and the late Barbara Dockery, Preacher Man learned the values of family and faith early on. His life was a testament to the power of love and the strength of the human spirit. He was a beacon of hope and a pillar of the community, a man who walked by faith and not by sight.

Preacher Man was a proud graduate of Greenville High School, class of 1965, where he laid the foundation for a life of service and excellence. His professional journey was as diverse as it was distinguished. From the showroom floors of retail furniture and car dealerships, where he earned multiple salesman of the month awards, to the entrepreneurial success as the owner of Cole's TV, Preacher Man's work ethic was unparalleled.

But it was his calling as the founder of Salvation Riders Ministry that truly captured his heart. Preacher Man's passion for motorcycles and cars was only surpassed by his love for the Lord and his unwavering desire to witness to others. His ministry on wheels brought hope to the hopeless and light to the darkest corners of the world.

In 1989, when Hurricane Hugo wreaked havoc on Charleston, Preacher Man was there, sleeves rolled up, helping to clean up and rebuild the community. His generosity knew no bounds, and his hands were always extended in service.

Preacher Man's life was a tapestry of miracles, none more profound than his triumphant recovery from a life-altering motorcycle accident. Declared a "Walking Miracle," he defied the odds and continued to spread the gospel with even greater fervor. His resilience and unwavering faith were a source of inspiration to all who knew him.

His love for road trips and family gatherings was legendary. Preacher Man was the patriarch of a loving family, including his late brother Robert, his sister Kathy, his late sister Barbara, his children Tina Marie Thadhani, Anthony "Tony" James Cole, Margaret Furtado Cole, Timothy "Tim" Preston Cole, Heather Nicole Simon, Devin Prescott Furtado, and Dustin James Cole. Each of them a shining star in the constellation of his life, each of them a living testament to his legacy of love.

Preacher Man's life was a sermon of love, faith, and generosity. He was a man who lived his beliefs, who walked in the footsteps of the Savior he so passionately served. His spirit was as generous as his heart, and his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.

As we gather to celebrate the homegoing of a true man of God, let us remember Preacher Man not with sorrow, but with the joy that he would have wanted. Let us honor his memory by living out the values he held dear, by loving without reservation, serving without hesitation, and walking by faith every day of our lives.

Preston Furtado Cole, "Preacher Man," has finished his race, kept the faith, and now he rests in the eternal embrace of his Heavenly Father. Though his presence will be dearly missed, his spirit will forever ride on in the hearts of those who loved him. Amen.

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