Samuel "Chip" Thornton Cole, Jr.

Samuel “Chip” Thornton Cole, Jr.

Samuel “Chip” Thornton Cole, Jr., 65, passed away on March 17, 2026, in Miami, Florida. Born on November 17, 1960, in Philadelphia, PA, Chip lived a life defined by quiet strength, deep devotion to his family, and an unwavering sense of kindness toward everyone he met.

Chip is survived by his beloved wife, Cherie Cole; his favorite child, Sloan Cole; his mother, Mary Louise Cole Wood of Fort Lauderdale, Florida (spouse Robert “BJ” Wood); his sister, Merry Cole Bender of Scottsdale, Arizona (spouse Bruce; children Collin, Nicolas, and Alex); and his brother, Geoffrey Cole of Miami, Florida (spouse Jeanine; children Skye and Samantha). He is also survived by his cherished cats, Clementine and Cleo, who were constant companions. He was preceded in death by his father, Samuel Thornton Cole, as well as his beloved dogs, Bailey and Bella, and cat, Looney.

Chip was educated at St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School, attended Ransom Everglades School for middle and high school, and went on to Southern Methodist University, where he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. During his time at Ransom Everglades, he played both soccer and football, bringing the same grit and determination to the field that would later define so many aspects of his life.

He began his career as an insurance adjuster before joining his family’s business. Following that chapter, he continued his career in the insurance industry with USI Insurance Services, where he further built his reputation for integrity, dedication, and professionalism, earning numerous awards along the way. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chip remained deeply connected to his community, serving as President of the Ransom Everglades Alumni Association and as a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

To those who knew him best, Chip was so much more than his career. He was an avid cyclist who found joy and freedom on the road and deep camaraderie within his riding group, a community that became an important and cherished part of his life. He was also a devoted Rolling Stones enthusiast with a deep love of music and a lifelong sportsman. He spent a formative summer studying in Spain, an experience that reflected his curiosity and appreciation for the world.

At his core, Chip was a family man, an extraordinary “girl dad,” proud Indian Princess dad, treehouse builder, and pumpkin carver, who showed up for everything that mattered to Sloan, from yoga classes to DJ gigs, always with quiet pride and unwavering support. He was known for his humility, his strong sense of duty, and his preference for meaningful, intimate connections over the spotlight. He had an easy smile, a gentle spirit, and a natural ability to make people feel seen and comfortable, especially children, where he seemed to have a special gift for drawing out even the shyest among them.

Chip and Cherie met in 1987 at Bachelor’s and Spinsters, beginning a partnership filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. One of their early memories, Chip enthusiastically jumping into a Red Hot Chili Peppers mosh pit while Cherie watched safely from above, perfectly captured his spirited, all-in approach to life.

He was also known for his endearing routines and quirks, his strict bedtime accompanied by soft jazz music drifting through the house, and his nightly ritual of calling out “come on cats” with a soft pat of his leg, as Clementine and Cleo made their way in.

And despite some concern from Cherie, he delighted in building an impressive stash of fireworks for New Year’s and Fourth of July celebrations with Sloan, moments that became treasured traditions.

Chip lived by a simple but powerful philosophy, family first, always. He led by example, teaching acceptance, resilience, and the importance of showing up for the people you love. Even in the face of serious cycling injuries, he demonstrated remarkable determination, often getting back on the bike sooner than he let on, quietly downplaying spills and bumps so as not to worry Cherie, who loved him fiercely and worried just as much.

A friend once described Chip as someone who played life the way he played soccer, fearless, all-in, and resilient. No matter how many times he was knocked down, he got back up quickly, ready to go again. That quiet resilience defined him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 28, at 4:00 PM at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Coral Gables. A livestream will be available for the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to local charities supporting animal welfare and cycling causes, reflecting Chip’s passions and the things he loved most. Additionally, Chip received outstanding and tireless care from the nurses and doctors at Ryder Trauma Center ICU. The fund below will help support their efforts going forward.

Wonder Paws Rescue
wonderpawsrescue.com
Donate to Chip’s Fund here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/chips-fundraiser-for-wonder-paws-rescue

Dolphin Cancer Challenge Ride for Chip!
https://dolphinscancerchallenge.com/participants/58461

Ryder Trauma Nurses Fund
https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=d642824a-0e7c-43fe-bb7b-a342c00ebdcf&envid=p-uOHA3JkA7U6GOjVlcCg1vA&zone=usa

Chip will be remembered for his kindness, his humility, his unwavering devotion to his family, and the steady, genuine way he moved through the world.