Earl Cole

Earl Cole, 80, stepped into Glory at 9:15 a.m., Friday, July 25, 2025 from an extended illness. Earl died at home surrounded by his family. He was the last surviving member of his family. He was born at Richlands, VA and was the son of the late James Stuart and Margaret Taylor Cole. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Ricky Cole; a grandson, Travis Cole, brothers, Kirby Cole, Jimmie Cole and sister in law, Peggy Ann Horn Cole, and brother Donald Odell Cole. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He loved his family, he loved people, and he loved his animals. He was a very generous man and was dedicated to his church and teaching God's Word. He was a lifelong resident of the Whitewood area and was the pastor of The Shelter FWB Church in Whitewood, which he founded in May 1974. Earl began preaching at the age of 11 and was called the "boy" preacher. Earl owned and operated many businesses throughout his life, beginning with selling Christmas Cards when he was 6 years old. He operated a gas/service station from his teen years, he had a coal trucking business, and in 1977 he built and operated a Rest Home for elderly and disabled adults, something he had planned from when he was a young boy. Then he went into the steakhouse business, "The Golden Coach", and had 5 steakhouses at one point. Earl was the Publisher of The Voice newspaper, which he founded in 2003. He loved this, because he was able to talk to and meet so many people that he loved to interact with. He had a radio show, "County Talk" for many years, and was dedicated to informing county citizens of issues going on in the county that affect their lives. He was passionate about having an outlet for people to share their opinions on county issues. And of course he was passionate about sharing his opinion with everyone, even if and when it was not a popular opinion. Earl is survived by his wife of 60 years, Christine, and sons Harold Cole of Whitewood, VA and Hayden Cole of the home. He is also survived by granddaughters Tessia Cole Helton and Heather Cole, grandsons Trevor Cole and Trent Cole, great grandchildren, Camden Cole, Trinity Cole, Zoie Helton, Mila Cole, Kye Rigsby, Kyren Rigsby, Kilhana Rigsby, Aubrey Cole and Adleigh Cole. Special thanks to Ultra Health Home Care and Hospice: Chad Hurley, Tangie Scarberry, and Carrie Matney. Funeral Services for Earl Cole will be conducted Sunday, August 3, 2025 at 2 pm at the Hurst Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, VA with Rev. Columbus Baker, Jr and Mike Lawson officiating. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 6-9 pm. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements. Those wishing to express sympathy may do so at www.hurstscottfunerlahomes.com