Howard Cole, Jr., 73, of Vale passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at Catawba Regional Hospice. He was born July 8, 1943 in Haywood County to the late Rebecca Brown Kirkendall. Howard was a member of Maiden First Freewill Baptist Church in Maiden. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by girlfriend, Lou Williams. Those left to cherish his memory are: Sons: Clifford Cole of Conover Tommy Cole of Conover Robert Cole of Conover Daughters: Terri Rodiquez of Conover Tammy Cole of Conover Cathy Cole Williams of Conover Eleven Grandchildren Nine Great-Grandchildren A service to celebrate Howard’s life will be held on Friday, January 20, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Maiden First Freewill Baptist Church in Maiden. Rev. Kenny Allen will officiate. Burial will follow at Conover City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 19, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Maiden First Freewill Baptist Church. Those serving as pallbearers are: Ricky Cole, Ronnie Brewington, Tommy Cole, Clifford Cole, Jimmy Williams, and Richard Rodriquez. Condolences may be sent to the Cole family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com. The Cole family is in the care of Bennett Funeral Service of Conover, 828-465-2111.