Ernest Lester Cole

Ernest Lester Cole, 78, of China Grove died Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Novant Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte due to declining health.

A funeral service will be held at Whitley’s Funeral Home at 12:00 PM Friday, January 15 with Rev. Daniel Triplett officiating. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove. His family will receive friends at Whitley’s Funeral Home from 11:00 to 12:00 PM prior to his funeral. Attendees are reminded to wear face masks and practice social distancing at the visitation and funeral, per the family’s request.

Ernest was born November 15, 1942 in Cabarrus Co., a son of the late Guss R. and Mozelle Brindle Cole. In addition to his parents, Ernest was preceded in death by his two brothers, James and August Cole.

A lifelong area resident, Ernest was a graduate of Winecoff High School and was a member of Franklin Heights Baptist Church. In earlier years, he worked as a butcher for A&P Grocery stores for 14 years and then Ernest worked as a train engineer for Norfolk Southern Railway, retiring after 30 years of service, in 2003.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 58 years, Evelyn Beaver Cole, his daughters, Angela C. Hensley and Lori C. Hough (Gary) and his son Monty Cole, all of China Grove, his eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren and his three sisters, Georgia Hudson and Ramell McGuire (Dene), both of Kannapolis and Patsy Summerour of Huntersville and many nieces and nephews.

Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.
Memorial donations can be made in her name St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 2101 Rexford Rd #165 W, Charlotte, NC 28211