William "Bill" Roger Cole

He was born on August 16, 1943, to the late Matthew John and Edna Key Cole in Franklin, NC. Bill was a lifetime member of Sandy Ridge Baptist Church. Bill had a life-long career as an upholsterer, owner and operator of Eastwood Furniture. He was an avid fisherman, deer hunter, classic car enthusiast, and self proclaimed Sequence champion. However, he considered his role as father and papaw his greatest calling.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Jane Miller Cole; son, Jeffery Scott Cole; brother, Jerry Cole; sisters, Cheryl Cole, Anita Parham; sister-in-law, Shirley Cole; and brother-in-law, Buddy Parham.

Survivors include daughter, Melanie Cole Landis (Paul) of Hickory; grandchildren, Meredith VanVelsor (Lydia) of Charlotte, Madison VanVelsor Sharp (Matthew) of Winston Salem, Will VanVelsor of Hickory, Jansen Cole (Carly) of Ft. Bragg; and his beloved pets, Hank and Ollie.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 1, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.in the Chapel of Hickory Funeral Home. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:00 until 1:45 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Lee Harris will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658.