Darrell Lloyd Cole

Darrell Lloyd Cole, 81, of Goldston, NC went to his Heavenly home on May 31, 2025 with his son and daughter by his side. Darrell was born on September 13, 1943 in Eagle Springs, NC, the son of Sam and Nettie Cole.

Darrell was very proud of his 2 children, 5 grandkids and 5 great grandkids. His whole face would beam when he talked of them and their accomplishments. He loved being a Grandpa and Great Papa.

Darrell was a graduate of West End High School Class of 1961. Darrell had many jobs which included working the tobacco fields from age 6, Fixer at Hosiery Mill in Star, Kayser-Roth hosiery mill in Pittsboro as a fixer for 19 years, self employed home repair business C&C Construction, JOCCA, Golden Poultry in Waste Water Management Department and he retired from Chatham County School System as a Manager of Waste Water. He was a member at Big Oak Christian Church in Eagle Springs.

He also loved to build things and make design inventions come to life. He was a “Jack of All Trades”. He also spent many enjoyable years at his RV campsite at Badin Shores at Badin Lake. There he was also the manager of the Waste Water System. He could do carpentry, mechanical and “Mr. Fix-it” on home projects. He loved to read and of course watch his Western shows – favorite being Gunsmoke, which family and friends got to watch a lot with him. He also was a big fan of car racing and enjoyed attending races. His favorite food was ice cream. Vanilla was the flavor of choice and when asked “Daddy would you like some ice cream?” His response was always “Well it wouldn’t hurt” meaning – “Of course I do”. And let’s not forget the Pepsi Cola that he would choose for his beverage.

Darrell was a great story teller and loved to share those stories with anyone who would listen. (Sometimes they were “tall tales”, but always made us laugh.)

He was preceded in death by his parents Sam and Nettie Cole, brother Ray Cole, sister Louvene King and wife Ruby Beal Cole.

Left to cherish Darrell’s memory are his 2 children: Alesia Cole Purvis and husband Brian of Zebulon, and Bill Cole and wife Andy of Broadway; 5 grandchildren: Savannah Purvis Vince (Mike), Carrie Purvis Richardson (Chris), Amber Purvis Thompson (Brian), Colby Purvis and David Cole (Darline). He also has 5 great grandchildren; Landen and Kooper Cole, Nora, Dottie Jo and Lucy Richardson. He is also survived by 2 sisters; Sylvia Watkins and Joyce Smiley (Joe) both of Eagle Springs, Hilda McBryde (mother of his 2 children) and a special friend Edith Mitchell of New Hill.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 12:00 Noon at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be from 11 -11:45 am. Services will be officiated by Michael Paschal. Immediately following the service, there will be a burial at Hope Cemetery in Bonlee.

Thank you to everyone for the prayers, good thoughts and visits through this difficult time. The family would like to give a special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at First Health Hospice in his final days.

THOSE WE LOVE DON’T GO AWAY. THEY WALK BESIDE US EVERY DAY, UNSEEN, UNHEARD BUT ALWAYS NEAR. STILL LOVED AND STILL MISSED. “GONE FROM OUR SIGHTS BUT NEVER FROM OUR HEARTS.”

In lieu of flowers, donations to First Health Hospice Foundation of Southern Pines, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374 would be greatly appreciated.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is assisting the Cole family.

Online condolences maybe made at www.smithbucknerfh.com