HARTSOE COLFAX, NC - Fred Cole Hartsoe Feb. 12, 1926 - Feb. 28, 2012 Fred Cole Hartsoe, 86, of Colfax, NC was welcomed home on Tuesday morning, February 28, 2012 to the glorious words of his Lord and Savior saying, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." Fred peacefully departed this life at The Hospice Home of High Point with family by his side. Fred was born February 12, 1926 in Dott, West Virginia. He was the fourth of nine children born to the late Wiley A. and Kate Cole Hartsoe. When Fred was a teenager, his family left Ashe County and settled on a farm in Walnut Cove. Much of Fred's childhood was spent working on the family farm where his chores included taking care of the horses and pigs each morning before attending class at Walkertown High School. Fred was a born salesman. His career initially included making sales at area furniture and clothing stores. Early on, Fred recognized his knack for persuading customers to make their purchases directly from him. He was committed to his customers and delighted in seeing to it that they were treated fairly, honestly, and well. In 1961, adhering to these same principles, Fred went into business for himself in Kernersville, NC where he established Hartsoe Motors. Fred owned and operated Hartsoe Motors for 42 years, retiring in 2004 at the age of 78. He loved talking with customers, selling them a car, and ultimately talking to them about the Lord. His business cards were printed with a question on the bottom that read, "Are you ready to meet God?" This question often inspired insightful conversations and Fred led many people to the Lord right there in his office. Fred was a long-time member of Christ Wesleyan Church, Winston-Salem, NC where he was instrumental in visionary efforts resulting in the construction of the church and parsonage that he faithfully supported. He served on the Local Board of Administration at Christ Wesleyan for decades and also held numerous positions on the District Board of the Wesleyan Church. He was also a member of the Kernersville Chapter of the Gideons International where distributing Bibles brought him immeasurable joy. Fred also found joy in the dirt softball fields at the Radar Base in Winston-Salem, NC where he sponsored the Christ Wesleyan Church Men's Softball Team. Many a summer evening was spent there in sportsmanship and fellowship with players and their families from area churches all cheering on their respective teams. He was also a member of The Fitness Center, High Point for over 10 years and most recently the Heart Strides program at High Point Regional Hospital. In 2010, he was awarded "Most Inspirational Member" by the staff there. He attended faithfully and was a true inspiration to others. Fred was admired for his devotion to his wife of 58 years, Kathleen Potts Hartsoe, and their combined efforts to raise their two beloved children in a Christ-centered home. Despite long hours at the car lot, Fred would always make time to attend Becky's volleyball and softball games and Mark's Little League Baseball games. The birth of grandchildren soon found Fred back in the stands for their various sports, church and school activities where he was the proud grandfather. Fred especially enjoyed Grandparents' Day at Wesleyan Christian Academy in High Point, NC where he relished being the honored grandfather of his grandson, Jake. Regarded locally as "such a nice man," Fred's passing is certain to evoke pleasant memories of a long ago car purchase for many. But for others, the greatest "sale" Fred ever made was his leading them to Christ through his unwavering conviction that life should be lived "ready to meet God." Fred was predeceased in death by his wife in 2005. He was also predeceased in death by two brothers, Howard and Henry Hartsoe, and one sister, Virginia Hartsoe Denny. He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Joel Warner of Colfax, and son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Kelley Hartsoe of Thomasville; three grandchildren, Missy and Mike Canfield of Lexington, Amber and Mike Burrow of Lexington and Jake and Ashley Warner of Kinston; six great-grandchildren, Gabby, Nathan, Angel, Steven, Skyler and Michael, Jr.; two brothers, Paul and Bonnie Hartsoe of Walnut Cove and Wiley Hartsoe of Fuquay-Varina; three sisters, Ruth Morgan of Winston-Salem, Mildred and Bill Mabe of Walnut Cove, and Thelma and C. L. Vogler of Lexington; and a host of nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Kernersville Medical Center and The Hospice Home of High Point for the excellent care and attention they gave Fred and our family. A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at Christ Wesleyan Church, 2390 Union Cross Road, Winston-Salem, NC on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 12:00 noon by Fred's grandson, Jake Warner, and Rev. David Emery. Family will receive friends at the church from 11:00 to 12:00 noon. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, 3250 High Point Road, Winston-Salem, NC, with a graveside service officiated by Rev. Jerry Lumston and Rev. Rusty Sieck. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the building funds of Christ Wesleyan Church, Winston-Salem, Hayworth Wesleyan Church, High Point or The Hospice Home of High Point. Cumby Family Funeral Service in High Point is assisting the family.