Mr. Willie Edward Cole, Sr. 78, passed away peacefully at Trellis Supportive Care on February 11, 2019.

Born in Winston-Salem, NC on November 22, 1940, he was the son of William James Cole and Annie Williams Cole. He attended the local public schools and graduated in the 1959 Class of Atkins High School. He retired with 35.9 years of service from RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company.

Willie was a member of Goler Metropolitan AME Zion Church for over 70 years. He enjoyed watching baseball, especially the Atlanta Braves, and old Westerns. He also loved spending fun times with family and friends. He will be remembered for his kind nature, generosity, and loving spirit.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters; and three brothers.

He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Gwendolyn Amos Cole; sons, Willie E. Cole, Jr., Barry D. Ross, David A. (Monica) Ross, and Will J. Ross, III; daughter, Carolyn E. Ross; beloved granddaughter, Jasmine B. Cole; seven additional grandchildren; one great grandchild; brother, Joel (Frances) Cole; sisters, Barbara Surratt of Shelby, NC, Emma Ingram, Ann C. Galloway, and Ruby Griffin, all of Winston-Salem, NC; sisters-in-law, Viola A. Ward and Carolyn J. Amos; godson, John "Jack" Lash, Jr. of Charlotte, NC; his closest friends, John Lash of Winston-Salem, NC, John Gwyn of Aurora, CO and Blondie (George) Glenn; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and numerous other friends.

A Celebration of Life service for Mr. Willie Edward Cole, Sr. will be held at 12:00noon Friday, February 15, 2019 at Goler Metropolitan AME Zion Church, 1435 E. Fourth Street with Reverend Johnny Ruff officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00noon on Friday at the Church.