2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 57
Celebrating the life of Earl Cole.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 26, 2026
Agreed to by the Senate, January 29, 2026
WHEREAS, Earl Cole, an esteemed faith leader, accomplished businessman across a variety of ventures, distinguished civic leader, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and cherished member of the Whitewood community in Buchanan County, died on July 25, 2025; and
WHEREAS, born in Richlands, Earl Cole was guided throughout his life by his faith and began preaching by the age of 11, earning him the affectionate nickname, “the boy preacher”; and
WHEREAS, Earl Cole founded The Shelter Free Will Baptist Church in Whitewood in 1974 and devoted himself to providing his congregation with uplifting and inspirational spiritual guidance and support; and
WHEREAS, Earl Cole displayed an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age and found success owning a coal trucking business and a rest home for elderly and disabled adults before establishing The Golden Coach steak house, which he grew to five locations; and
WHEREAS, Earl Cole contributed greatly to civic discourse in Buchanan and Tazewell Counties as the founder and publisher of The Voice newspaper and as the longtime host of the local radio show County Talk ; and