Mr. Evander B. Cole died at his home at Tramway last Saturday afternoon after only a few hours illness and suffering. Death came very suddenly and unexpectedly. He was outside on the premises looking after some work and complained of feeling sick. A neighbor who was with him at the time suggested that he go inside and started to help him when he found that he was unable to put forth any effort at all to help himself. He then called members of the family and with their aid he was carried in the house and put to bed. He sank into unconsciousness from which he did not arouse and soon passed away. His death was caused by an attack of apoplexy.
A large concourse of people from Sanford and all sections of the county, a number being present from Moore, his native county, assembled at the home at three o'clock Monday afternoon to attend the funeral which was conducted by his pastor, Dr. R. C. Gilmore, of the Presbyterian church. The service included scripture reading, prayer and a song service. The Junior Order was in charge of the funeral rites, Mr. Cole being a member of the local lodge. At the conclusion of the service at the home the remains, accompanied by many relatives and friends, were carried to Shallow Well, near Jonesboro, where the interment was made by the side of his wife. Pall bearers: L. C. Davis, T.C. Riddle, W. E. Temple, V. E. Ellis, Roscoe Gladden and R. L. Robertson.
Mr. Cole, who was the son of the late George Cole and Nancy McKinnon Cole, was born and reared near Bensalem church in Moore County. He married a daughter of the late Rev. and Mrs. John Daniel Wicker, who died three years ago. Mr. Cole and family moved to Sanford 30 years ago and for 25 years he served as a rural route carrier, being one of the first appointed in this section. [Prior to that a school teacher. He was also a champion fiddle player.]
Mr. Cole was an active member of the Sanford Presbyterian Church, also took active interest in the work of the Junior Order, and was always ready to help in every good cause. He made a business of finding out through his lodge who needed assistance and was liberal of his means in carrying on charity work in the community. He was at one time president of the letter carriers district association and manifested a great interest in the organization. He was devoted to his children and was ambitious for their success in life.
The following children survive: Mrs. J. C. Vuncannon, Philadelphia, PA; Mrs. B. F. Rhodes, Richmond, VA; E. D. Cole, Durham; H. O. Cole, Sanford; Mrs. Leon P. Harrington, Fayetteville; Homer G. Cole, United States Marine Corp, Philadelphia; Miss Virginia Lee Cole, Chas. C. Cole, Harry Cole, Sarah and Dorothy Cole, Sanford; also three brothers, John M. Cole, Daniel W. Cole and George C. Cole, all of Moore County.
A few months ago Mr. Cole and the younger members of his family who still made their home with him, moved to Tramway. He was engaged in making the surroundings of his home more attractive when the summons came. All join the family in lamenting his passing.