Obituary of Willie B. Cole

Mr. Willie B. Cole, age 101, of Vilas, passed away Friday morning, April 10, 2015. He was born in Watauga County, September 29, 1913 to the late Benjamin F. Cole and Nancy Winebarger Cole. He married Margaret Chloe Warren in 1937. Willie was a member of Henson Chapel United Methodist Church from an early age, and remained active most of his life. A scoutmaster in the 1950�s and early 1960, he led a troop of boys from Henson Chapel and the surrounding area. Willie was well loved and blessed by family and many wonderful friends during his lifetime. He walked over most of Watauga and Ashe Counties and beyond. He may have at one time been acquainted with more people in those counties than anyone else. Willie was basically a farmer, but worked several occupations, including service station co-owner/operator in Zionville, supervisor for the distribution of surplus food in Watauga county, and custodian at ASU. He is survived by sons Franklin Cole and wife Betty of Vilas, Tommy Cole and wife Marie of Hudson; grandsons Kenny Cole, Mark Cole, Bruce Cole and Alex Cole; granddaughters; Teresa Hoyle and Patricia Hodges, thirteen great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, one sister, Betty Jo Stanberry, two brothers, Clyde T Cole and Arlton G. Cole, a step brother, Lester Warren and his dedicated caregiver Michael Sawyer. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Clinton D. Cole, sisters Pearl Garland, Faye Miller and stepsister Rose Edna Green, a brother, Charlie Cole and a daughter in law, Verlee Anderson Cole. Funeral services for Mr. Willie B. Cole will be conducted Monday afternoon at 2 o�clock at the Henson Chapel United Methodist Church. Officiated by Rev. Katherine Cornell and Rev. Jim McKinney. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1 o�clock until 2 o�clock at the church. At other times friends may call at the home of Franklin Cole, 178 Cole Drive, Vilas, NC 28692. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Henson Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 120 Henson Hollar Road, Vilas, NC 28692 or to Medi Home Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 102, Boone, NC 28607. The family would like to say a special thank you to the caregivers of Medi Home Hospice. Online condolences may be shared with the Cole family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Cole family.