Charles Ray Cole of Kinston passed away on August 28, 2025. He is preceded in death by his wife Teresa Sparrow Cole, mother Hazel Byrd Cole Barley, brother Maurice Danny Cole, and sister Bonnie Jo Hill. Charles was a simple man who loved southern cooking and traditional country music, especially George Jones. Left to cherish his memory includes his son, Mark Anthony Cole of Kinston; daughter, Melissa Cole Fotinos, and husband Anthony of Virginia Beach, VA; sister, Dorothy Hill of Kinston; and brother, Roger Cole and wife Karen of Lexington, NC as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation will be held on September 8, 2025, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Howard Carter Funeral Home. Funeral will take place on September 9, 2025, at 11:00am at Howard Carter Funeral Home with burial to follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park.