William Avery "Nick" Cole

William Avery Cole, affectionately known as “Nick,” was born in Harlan County on April 16, 1953, to Henrietta “Bootsie” Turner and Virgil Turner.

Nick worked in the coal mines for most of his life before later working as a maintenance man. He was a hardworking man who took pride in providing for his family. In his free time, he loved playing his guitar, listening to music, working in the yard, and drawing. We like to think that’s where we all got our good taste in music and inherited his passion for drawing.

In the 1970s, Nick met his first love, Linda. Together, they went on to have two beautiful children, Angie Cole (Hiram Fields) and Dewey Cole (Juanita).

His children blessed him with four grandchildren: Felicia Harrison (Travis), Madison Cole (Ethan Cornett), Ryan Cole (Amber), and Brian Cole.

Later in life, Nick gained a stepdaughter, Jessica Laws, and a granddaughter, Lexie Laws, who became important parts of his family and his life.

Nick was also incredibly blessed by and very proud of his six great-grandchildren: Braxton Cornett, RaeLynn Harrison, SpringLynn Harrison, Rylee Cole, Elaina Cole, and McKenna Cole. They brought him a special kind of joy and gave him many memories that his family will cherish forever.

Nick is survived by his five brothers and sisters: Gail Caldwell (Wayne), Joyce Vorderbrueggen (Ed), Teddy Walters (Mel), Williard Turner, and Junebug Turner.

He is also survived by his stepfather, Paul Phipps, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who loved him dearly.

Nick was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil Turner and Henrietta “Bootsie” Turner, and his grandparents, Leander and Lizzie Cole.

Nick will be remembered for his love of music, his guitar, his creativity, his hardworking spirit, and most of all, his love for his family. His memory will live on through the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and all those fortunate enough to have known and loved him.

Though he is gone from our sight, the love, memories, and pieces of him he left behind will remain with his family forever.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 20th, 2026 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm in the chapel of Mount Pleasant Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 7:00pm with Pastor Shawn Rigney officiating. Internment will be the following day, Friday, August 21st, 2026 at Resthaven Cemetery with Ryan Cole, Brian Cole, Hiram Fields, Dewey Cole, Ethan Cornett, Travis Harrison, and Braxton Cornett serving as pallbearers.

Mount Pleasant Funeral Home is Deeply Honored to Care for the family of Mr. Nick Cole