The Stormy Gale Cole Legacy and Award
Stormy Gale Cole was a beacon of joy and kindness to everyone she met. Her ever-present smile and knack for sharing a humorous story brought light into every room. Stormy was the epitome of selflessness, deeply committed to her community, friends, and family. She treated everyone with unwavering dignity and respect.
In her professional life, Stormy delivered exceptional ISC services, always going beyond the ordinary to focus on people's long-term visions. Her work was characterized by profound compassion, integrity, and humility. Stormy’s bright and enthusiastic spirit, coupled with her fierce passion, made her a remarkable force in our team.
Stormy was a bridge builder, a voice of reason, and a steadfast moral compass. She seamlessly combined advocacy, empathy, common sense, and humor, using her talents to enhance the lives of those around her. Her legacy is, in a word, meritorious.
The Stormy Gale Cole Legacy Award honors future generations of ISCs who follow in her footsteps, setting a high standard and then surpassing it.
Stormy's Story
Stormy Gale Cole was a beloved friend and colleague, known for her deep compassion, vibrant personality, and adorably quirky nature. She shared her life with her cherished dog, George, and her cats, Mabel and Binx. Stormy’s heart was as big as her love for her pets, and she was often seen volunteering at a local miniature donkey rescue in Loudon, TN, where she would read romance stories to the animals, demonstrating her boundless kindness and creativity.
Her favorite books were often romances, and she enjoyed sharing her literary love with both people and animals. Her love for Mexican food and her admiration for the actor Tom Hardy were well-known among her friends. A proud Texan at heart, Stormy loved visiting her home state and often spoke fondly of it. Her colorful hairstyles matched her vibrant spirit, and she was known for her dedication to her work and her meticulous organizational skills, as evidenced by her color-coded calendars. Her adorably quirky personality endeared her to everyone who knew her, making her a truly unforgettable presence.
Stormy’s professional life was marked by her dedication to helping others. She worked at ACT in Lenoir City and later at CNS. Her commitment to those she supported was unwavering, and she always extended love and compassion to everyone she met.
Her love for animals was a significant part of her life. She had a special bond with her dachshund, George, who was her best fur baby, and she always made time for her cats, Mabel and Binx. Her friends recall her heartfelt stories about her pets and her joyful spirit when discussing them.
Stormy’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and dedication to both people and animals. Her memory will live on through the many lives she touched and the loving care she gave to her fur babies and the animals at the rescue. In her honor, we remember her beautiful spirit, adorably quirky nature, and the love she shared so freely with the world.
Stormy's Passions
Some Things She Loved, and You Will Too
01
East Tennessee Miniature Horse and Donkey Rescue
ETMHD, established on August 10, 2016, is one of the nation’s few rescues dedicated to helping miniature equines in need. Each year, they assist an average of 85 miniature horses, donkeys, and mules. The organization operates entirely on donations and proudly belongs to the Homes for Horses Coalition.
02
Lone Star Dog Ranch & Dog Ranch Rescue
Dog Ranch Rescue, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2014, operates independently from Lone Star Dog Ranch in Anna, TX. The rescue rehabilitates dogs from puppy mills, shelters, and strays, providing medical care, housing, socialization, and training. Funded by donations, the organization rehomes dogs through a rigorous application process. If a placement fails, the dog is returned for re-evaluation. Since its inception, Dog Ranch Rescue has successfully rehomed over 2,000 dogs.
03
PPAW Spay / Neuter Clinic
PPAW, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, operates a low-cost spay/neuter clinic for dogs and cats, primarily serving Blount, Loudon, and Monroe counties in East Tennessee. Since its founding in late 1998, PPAW has sterilized over 100,000 companion animals to reduce unwanted pets and end euthanasia of adoptable animals. In addition to spay/neuter services, PPAW collaborates with rescues and shelters to provide life-saving care, funded by generous contributions.
04
Wolf and Wolfdog Rescue and Sanctuary
Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation licensed and regulated by the USDA and a Class C exhibitor, rescues displaced, unwanted, and un-releasable captive-bred wolves, wolfdogs, and other wild canid species from across the United States. They provide permanent sanctuary and lifelong care, including nutrition, medical support, enrichment, and companionship. The sanctuary also educates the public about these animals in both the wild and captivity.
