Our beloved father William Lance Cole, affectionately known as “Bo” passed away peacefully in his home Christmas Day, December 25th, 2024. He was born to the late Robert Lee and Gladys Vida Cole on August 19, 1940, in Pulaski County, Virginia. Bo is survived by daughter Amanda T. Chew and her husband Jonathan, grandchildren DeAngela, Jamie, Justin, Lily, Hannah, Kimmie, Lauren, Lindsey, Marcus, Victoria, Jasmine, Michael, great grandchildren Jalyn, Timothy, Faith, Grace, Marcus Jr., Zyae, Noviae, Kaomi, brothers, Ricky and John, sisters Martha, Betty Ann, Lou Ellen, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert Lee and Gladys Vida Cole, wife Margaret, son Timothy Cole, brothers Earn, Jack, Roy, Jerry, sister Libby Hawkins and granddaughter, Victoria. 

Bo met his wife Margaret walking with friends along the Hazel River in Culpeper County and married her in 1964. They welcomed their daughter Amanda on July 29, 1965, and their son Timothy on August 7, 1969. His children were his proudest accomplishments. 

Bo had a lifelong passion for fishing, hunting, bowling and driving a Tractor Trailor which he loved talking about to everyone. He was well known for those adventurous stories he shared. Although Bo, aka “Bo Diddly” worked as a heavy equipment operator, foreman and CDL licensed driver, in retirement he returned to the love of driving and drove a tour bus for many more years. He and Margaret had many special friends, both human and pug, and always opened their home up to many over the years. “Once you came in you never wanted to leave” was an expression stated by many. Bo shared this enthusiasm belonging to bowling leagues and earned himself multiple titles, championships and awards in Virginia State Duckpin Tournaments. His daughter and sidekick Amanda would often accompany him to many of these events. 

Bo was also quite an athlete and served as a pitcher for a men’s softball league. He enjoyed throwing horseshoes and “talking the talk” which classified him as the storyteller of all times. Gamedays, you could always find Bo watching the Washington Redskins sporting all his gear with his buddy “Lance”. He always shared stats from the past to the present. Don’t mess with his team! He was also a huge Dale Earnhardt fan and loved watching him race around the track. 

After Margaret’s passing, the family enlisted help to care for Bo from family and friends. A very special “Thank you goes out to all of them immensely. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Preddy Funeral Home Chapel in Madison. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Culpeper. The family will receive friends one hour before the service, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the funeral home where all family and friends are welcome to attend.