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Bill Francis Cole

Bill Francis Cole, 95, of Cherryville, NC passed away on May 4th, 2021.

Born on Jan. 22nd, 1926, he grew up in Goldsboro, NC - a child of the depression who loved the outdoors and spent his days climbing trees and exploring the woods when he wasn't working in his father's general store.

In 1943, at age 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy - becoming a part of the war effort in the Pacific Theatre aboard the Destroyer Escort, U.S.S. Darby. His memories of what he experienced there would remain with him for a lifetime.

Like many young men of that generation, his life after the war was a bit uncertain. In time he completed his high school education - then drove a truck to make a living. Always the athlete, he became a skilled boxer - fighting out of the Goldsboro YMCA and achieving a level of local notoriety when the East Carolina University team visited and competed against the Goldsboro team - sweeping all the matches except for the one Bill won.

The coach was so impressed that he invited him to come compete at ECU where he was promised some level of financial aid for his room and board.

Bill stuck with his day job - until a year later and the same intercollegiate team came to town - and again won the day except for the one loss to the same local. Another entreaty was made - and so Bill Cole became a college student.

It was in 1953 that Bill was to meet the love of his life - and only months later Betty Parker was to become his wife. Over the next 67 plus years their marriage would prove stronger than any obstacles life could offer. If ever two people were destined to be together it was Bill and Betty.

He would eventually become a schoolteacher in the Lincoln County system of western NC - where his love of nature made him the ideal spokesperson for the Earth Science lessons he taught. The stories of Mr. Cole and his field trips through the woods with his students became legendary - the classroom never limited to the confines of a school building.

That love of nature never left him - it could be said that his two favorite places in the world were the hiking trails of the Smoky Mountains and the beloved pastures near his home where he watched over the cattle he raised.

Some are made to be a part of the great outdoors - some have to be.
Bill Cole was both.

He was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, and husband - a compass for the many that came to know him, a role model for that many more, and to the very end ... a teacher.

The trail he carved, and the footprints he leaves behind, will not fade.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Jo Parker Cole of Cherryville; two sons, Tim and his wife Nancy, Todd and his wife Jane of Charlotte and Cherryville respectively; grandchildren Brandon Cole and wife Rosellie, and David Cole and wife Mallory - both of Charlotte; Zach Cole and wife Whittany, and Meredith Cole Willis and her husband Jake both of Shelby.

Four great grandchildren mourn his loss - Cooper, Carly, Blakely, and Adalyn.

Bill is survived by one sister, Betty Lynch of Goldsboro; and one sister-in-law, Virginia Cole of Goldsboro.

Services for Bill Cole will be conducted at Bethlehem United Methodist in Cherryville, NC on Friday, May 7th with visitation at 1 to 1:45 PM and services to follow at 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethlehem United Methodist c/o Doris Wilson, 147 Latham Wilson Rd, Lawndale, NC 28090 or to Hospice Wendover, Shelby, NC.

A guest register is available at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center.


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