Dock "Don" Emory Cole, 97, passed away on Thursday September 24, 2026 at Warsaw Rehabiliation & Health Care Center.

Honoring his wishes, he will be cremated. At this time no services are planned. Details will be announced by Stonegate Funeral Service & Cremation.

Done was born on July 2, 1929 in Burnsville, North Carolina. He was a graduate of Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina. Don was a successful businessman and started Steel Building's, Inc in 1972. He ran his company with his business partner and adopted granddaughter, Jessica Washington for the last ten years he was open. He finally retired in September of 2022. Don was known as The Man of Steel because despite his age, he still managed to run his company and continue to build structures for the city, businesses, and the residents.

Don has seen so many era’s and things change through the years, but he still managed to adapt and remain successful. His legacy will live on within all the structures that exist because of him and Steel Buildings, Inc.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Margaret "Peggy" Cole; daughters: Donna Grice and Lisa Cole Tucker; and grandchildren: April Grice and William Grice.

Left to cherish his memories are his sons: Gary Cole and Chris Cole of Clinton, NC; son in law: William "Bill" Grice; grandchildren: Josh Walling, Christina FormyDuval, Lora Grice, Kali Cole and Carley Cole; and multiple great grandchildren.

Stonegate Funeral Service & Cremation is honored to serve the family of Dock "Don" Emory Cole.