HJ57 • 2026

Celebrating the life of Earl Cole.

Small Business

Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor: Morefield
Last action: 2026-04-01
Official status: Passed
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official summary does not provide detailed information on the specifics of Earl Cole’s accomplishments, so some claims had to be removed or generalized based on available data.

Celebrating the Life of Earl Cole

This legislation celebrates and honors Earl Cole, a respected faith leader, businessman, and civic contributor in Whitewood.

What This Bill Does

Recognizes Earl Cole as an esteemed faith leader who began preaching at age 11.
Celebrates his accomplishments as a successful entrepreneur with various business ventures.
Acknowledges his contributions to civic life through founding The Voice newspaper and hosting County Talk radio show.
Expresses sadness at the loss of Earl Cole, who was beloved by many in Whitewood.

Who It Names or Affects

Earl Cole's family
The community of Whitewood

Terms To Know

Clerk of the House of Delegates: An official who manages documents and records for the House of Delegates.

Limits and Unknowns

The resolution does not provide any financial support or legal changes.
It is a symbolic gesture to honor Earl Cole's memory.

Bill History

2026-04-01 House
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ57ER)
2026-01-29 Senate
Agreed to by Senate
2026-01-27 Senate
Received
2026-01-27 Senate
Laid on Clerk's Desk
2026-01-26 House
Engrossed by House
2026-01-26 House
Agreed to by House
2026-01-19 House
Presented and laid on Speaker's table 26104589D

Official Summary Text

Celebrating the life of Earl Cole.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

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
WHEREAS, preceded in death by his son, Ricky, Earl Cole will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 60 years; his children, Christine, Harold, and Hayden, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Earl Cole, a treasured member of the Whitewood community whose faith, kindness, and generosity touched countless lives; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Earl Cole as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.