WADESBORO — Earl Ray Cole, 87, died Monday, April 2, 2012 at Ambassador Health and Rehab.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 5, at Wade United Methodist Church. Interment followed in Anson Memorial Park. The family greeted friends Wednesday night from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Leavitt Funeral Home.

Cole was born Feb. 18, 1925 in Anson County, a son of the late Clyde James Cole and Martha Ann Stone Cole. He was retired from Wansona, Inc., a life-long member of Wade United Methodist Church and the Gideon’s International.

Surviving are his children, Dianne (Dale) Martin of Monroe, R.B. (Cheryl) Cole of Chesterfield, Va., Joan (Harry) Carpenter of Marshville and Doug (Debbie) Cole of Peachland; grandchildren, Todd Martin, Kim Laney, Shannon Stokes, Meredith Long, Matt, Brandon, Drew and Kailee Cole; six great-grandchildren; and brother and sisters, Clyde Cole Jr. of Marietta, Ga., Shirley Meeks of Orlando, Fla., and Pat Vinesett of Gaffney, S.C.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Griggs Cole and by brothers and sisters, Carson, Richard and Leon Cole, Louise Lineberry and Doris Henry.

Memorials may be made to Wade United Methodist Church, 59 Church St., Wadesboro, NC 28170, or to Ambassador Health and Rehab Family Council, 2051 Country Club Road, Wadesboro, NC 28170.

The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.leavittfuneralhomewadesboro.com.