William Cole Woodruff

Specialist William Cole Woodruff

William Cole Woodruff, known simply as “Coco” to everyone who loved him, was born on July 6, 2004, in The Woodlands, Texas, to Joseph Earl Woodruff and Anna Renne Faulkner Woodruff. He passed away unexpectedly and far too soon on August 23, 2025.

Cole was a proud lifelong resident of Coldspring, Texas. From a young age, he had a big heart, a bright smile, and a passion for life that drew people in. To know Cole was to love him—he never met a stranger, and his kindness left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Cole was the epitome of a man’s man. Rugged tough as nails, and good at most everything he picked up. From making long shots deer hunting, pitching a baseball with heat, to heading a steer as good or better than all the other grandboys, he was a natural born athlete and a fierce competitor. A wrestling match started was a loss before it even began. Cole had many hobbies and passions. He was an avid baseball player who could play any position but especially loved pitching. He enjoyed bonfires, riding four-wheelers, spending time with his many friends, and, most of all, being with his family.

In July 2023, Cole answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army as an Infantryman. During his time in the military, Cole proudly served for just over two years. One of the highlights of his service was qualifying as an expert marksman, hitting 36 out of 40 targets. His dedication and excellence earned him several honors, including the Army Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Combat and Special Skill Badge – Basic Marksmanship Qual Badge (Expert).

Above all, Cole was a loving son, grandson, husband, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. His loyalty, sense of humor, and huge heart made him someone you could always count on.

Cole is survived by his loving wife, Arora Hewitt; his mother, Anna Steele, and husband Bryan; his father, Joe Woodruff, and wife Catherine; grandparents, Mary Faulkner, and Gale Altman with husband Charles; sisters, Ava Steele and Paisley Steele; brothers, Gatlin Steele, Hunter Steele, Tyler Husband and wife Harley, Dually Husband and wife Bobbie, Morgan Thornton, and Raven Thornton. He is also remembered by countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends who will forever cherish his memory.

He is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Jerry Glen Faulkner and William Lewis Woodruff; his uncle, William Wayne Woodruff; and his great-grandmother, Beatrice Copeland.

Cole’s life was a beautiful light in this world—one that burned brightly and ended far too soon. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home Chapel in Cleveland. The celebration of Cole’s life will continue with a funeral service on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 10 am, held at the First Baptist Church in Coldspring with Pastor Dalton Currie officiating. Following the service, Cole will be laid to rest in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Coldspring.