Charles William Cole, III

Charles William Cole, III

December 25, 1952-October 17, 2026

“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

These are the words Chip tried to embody each day of his life.

Charles William Cole III (Chip) passed away peacefully at his home on October 17, 2026. Chip was born on December 25, 1952 in Ruleville, Mississippi to Charles W. Cole Jr. and Mary Katherine Gulley Cole. He grew up in Drew, Mississippi, graduating from Drew High School. He attended Delta State University, graduating with a degree in Business and an MBA. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity where he made many life-long friends. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a PhD in Finance. It was in Fayetteville that he met Billie and they were married in Ft. Smith, Arkansas on December 17, 1978.

Chip began his career teaching Finance at West Virginia University but soon moved to Wachovia Bank in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Chip and Billie moved to Kernersville, NC at that time. He spent over 25 years in banking at Wachovia and BB&T before finishing his career teaching at NC A&T. He thoroughly enjoyed his retirement; his favorite thing to do was going hiking in National Parks but he was just as happy staying at home working in his garden. He was a dedicated volunteer and served on the boards of Crisis Control Ministry, Forsyth Jail and Prison Ministry, Kairos Prison Ministry and the North Carolina College Foundation. He was an active member of Main Street United Methodist Church in Kernersville teaching Sunday School and Disciple Bible Study, serving on committees, playing hand bells and singing in the choir. He also enjoyed participating in the WS community production of The Messiah each December and started eagerly anticipating rehearsals early each October.

He was preceded in death by his parents, uncle Herbert Cole and aunt Esther Read Miller. He leaves behind his wife Billie Hess Cole, sons William Read Cole of the home and John Russell Cole (Sidney) of Gastonia, NC, and grandsons Brooks Griffin and Banks Duncan, brothers John David Cole and Edward Arthur Cole both of Drew, MS.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 3:00 pm at Main Street UMC, 306 S Main St, Kernersville, NC 27284 with internment following in the church columbarium. Family will greet friends in the Commons of the church after the service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Main Street UMC, Crisis Control Ministry, Forsyth Jail and Prison Ministry or any charitable organization of your choice. But what Chip would really prefer is for you to take an hour or two and go volunteer for an organization of your choice.