Raymond E. “Corky” Cole, 84, of East Asheville, passed away May 27, 2017.

Raymond was born June 29, 1932 in Buncombe County to the late Ralph C. and Bonnie Faye Cole. He was a Staff Sgt. in the US Air Force, a musician and a fiddler. Raymond loved his children and grandchildren. He had a wonderful sense of humor and will be greatly missed.

In addition to his parents, Raymond is preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Cole; daughter, Dana Cole Gaston; grandson, Avery Gaston; and sisters, Elizabeth Foster and Janice Gonzalez.

Raymond is survived by his children, Randy Cole (Elaine) of Covington, GA, Stan Cole (Della) of Sylva, Timothy Cole (Sandra) of Asheville, Leah Bolinger of Fletcher, and Kevin Cole of Asheville; brothers, Clinnon “Bud” Cole and David Cole; grandchildren, Wendy Alexander, Jennifer Cole, Richard Bolinger, Brandon Cole, Crystal Dotson, April Cole, Jacob Gaston, Trinity Cole and Jazmine Cole; great-grandchildren, Katlyn Grant, Brianna Grant, and Eli Dotson; five step grandchildren; and four step great-grandchildren.

A private interment will be held at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery with military honors.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or a charity of your choice.  

Harwood Home for Funerals is assisting the family. www.harwoodhomeforfunerals.com