Willie Cole graduated Dyersburg High School in 1968. He attended Lane College and the University of Tennessee at Martin. He spent his career as a fixture at DHS as an educator, coach, and assistant principal.Less than ten years after graduating DHS, Cole returned to Dyersburg to teach American History and special education. He also began coaching various sports such as football, softball, cross country, and basketball.At DHS, Cole became the first African American football coach and the first African American head football coach in the Trojan program. Also, Cole earned Coach of the Year for various sports: 3-time District 13AAA in softball, 2-time District 13AAA in girls basketball, and 2-time Best of the West in girls basketball.He served 16 years as an educator and coach as well as an additional 17 years as an assistant principal at DHS.In addition to his career in education, Cole has been an active member in the community serving in various roles. He is a lay leader at Grace Presbyterian Church and a board member of the Dyersburg Housing Authority.Currently, Cole serves as an alderman for the City of Dyersburg.