Dr. Malcolm "Chip" Henry Cole, Jr.

Dr. Malcolm Henry ("Chip") Cole, Jr. passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on December 2, 1938, at Old Newnan Hospital in Newnan, Georgia, Chip was the son of Malcolm Henry Cole, D.D.S., and Mary Louise Parks Cole. A lifelong resident of Newnan, he dedicated his life to caring for the children of his hometown and surrounding communities, becoming the longest-practicing pediatrician in Coweta County before retiring at the age of 80 after nearly 50 years of practice. A 1956 graduate of Newnan High School, Chip earned a BA in Chemistry with a minor in History from Emory University in 1960, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity - a brotherhood he later shared with his son-in-law, Blake Burr, and grandson, Jackson Burr. He received his Doctor of Medicine from Emory University School of Medicine in 1964 and spent the summer before his senior year studying hematology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He completed his pediatric residency at Children's Hospital of Cincinnati and his fellowship in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the University of Utah in 1967, training under Drs. Lahey and Wintrobe. Following his residency and fellowship training, Chip served three years as a pediatrician in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Major while stationed at the USAF Referral Hospital in Tachikawa, Japan. Returning home to Newnan in 1970, Chip joined Drs. Howard and Nat Glover, the first pediatricians in non-urban Georgia. In 1974, in partnership with Headley Construction, he built a unique pediatric office building on Hospital Road. The first patient seen in the new office was his infant daughter, Wynn. Along with establishing his practice, Children's Clinic, Chip was a member of the medical staff of Egleston Hospital from 1973 as well as Newnan and Coweta County Hospitals. Throughout his career, Chip cared for generations of Coweta County families and earned a reputation for his compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his patients. Beyond his medical practice, Chip was a lifelong student of the world around him. He had a deep appreciation for the arts, music, history, and photography, and his curiosity often inspired his travels. He was an active member of the Georgia Arts Commission and the Metropolitan National Council and Support Group, attended the Atlanta Symphony beginning in 1971, and was a patron of the Metropolitan Opera. In 2003, Chip married Ann Jeffords, and together they shared a love of travel that took them throughout the United States, Europe, and beyond. Whether exploring a historic city, visiting a museum, or attending a performance, they embraced every opportunity to experience new places and cultures together. In 2004, Chip received one of his favorite titles when his grandchildren gave him the nickname "Heho." He found great joy in introducing them to the world he loved, taking them on adventures that ranged from hiking and rope climbing to visits to his beloved New York City. He challenged them to spirited games of Backgammon, encouraged them to ask questions, and inspired them to appreciate the history, culture, and beauty around them. Chip was known for his eccentric, impeccable style, tailored suits, French cuffs, colorful ties and fun socks. His competitive spirit, fondness for chocolate, and legendary lead foot became favorite stories that continue to bring smiles to those who knew and loved him. Chip was preceded in death by his parents, Malcolm Henry Cole, D.D.S., and Mary Louise Parks Cole, and his brother, Parks Cole. He is survived by his wife, Ann Jeffords Cole; his daughter, Clara Wynn Cole Burr and her husband, Blake Burr; his grandchildren, Jackson Burr, Ann Mason Burr, and Harrison Burr; his sister, Louise "Sister" Kelley and her husband, Jimmy; his brother, Johnny Cole and his wife, Catie; his sister, Clara Spears; his sister-in-law, Judy Cole; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He is also survived by Ann's children, son, Van Barker and his wife, Traci, and their children, Kathryn, Ian, Harlan, and Trenton; and daughter, Page Barker and her son, Silas. The memorial service was held at Central Baptist Church in Newnan, GA on June 9, 2026, with Dr. Joel Richardson officiating and a private interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. For those who were unable to attend the service, a recording can be viewed on the Central Baptist YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VNdLAV_f8g (2026-06-09 Chip Cole Celebration of Life). Condolences may be expressed online at www.mckoon.com Rather than flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Abby's Angels Foundation-a beloved patient of Dr. Cole's-at https://abbysangelsfoundation.org/donate/ or to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center at https://giving.cincinnatichildrens.org/. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580

Dr. Malcolm "Chip" Henry Cole, Jr.

December 2, 1938 - June 3, 2026