Justin Samuel Cole

Justin Samuel Cole passed away on Tuesday, November 4,2025 at the age of 46. He died unexpectedly fighting a hard battle against an onslaught of sepsis caused by a staph infection. He entered heaven with a fight but has now found peace alongside his beloved. He was a great father, husband, friend, and role model to many.

Justin was born on January 15, 1979 in Carrollton, GA. He grew up in Franklin. GA and

attended Heard County high school. Later, he graduated from Lymann Ward military academy in 1997 and attended Gordon College. His favorite place in the world was Louisville, KY where he found his forever home. He worked at Zirmed in Louisville for 12 years before later working for Echo Technology Solutions as a Network Engineer until the time of his passing.

In Louisville, he found a home and family. In 2004, Justin met his wife Kristen. They found love and were married in 2006. In 2008, their daughter Samantha was born. His wife and daughter were the lights of his life.

Justin had many loves including sports, the outdoors, his pets, video games, and more. He was an avid fan for the Louisville Cardinals football team and was a season ticket holder for many years. He was also a faithful Falcons fan even through the ups and downs of the team (including a burnt jersey one year). Lastly, he was a huge Atlanta Braves fan and supporter of his daughter's sports teams.

Another of his loves was doing anything outdoors related. He went on annual camping trips with friends to Current River and frequented weekend trips to the Hartlage's pond and other campsites, memories that will stay with him and loved ones forever. While he loved photography and wanted to capture beautiful moments, he emphasized the importance of always staying present. Additionally, his love extended unconditionally to all of his pets. In peace, he has now joined his loves Wendell, Merlin, and Hermione.

Justin was a night owl and often loved a good video game with friends and family. He always loved trying new games, gadgets, and more and especially enjoyed it when he got to play a game or try a new gadget with his daughter. He also enjoyed a good fixer upper and loved to teach others how to fix things themselves.

Justin was a great friend to many and was always there for someone if they needed him He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Kristen Cole, his daughter, Samantha Cole, his parents, Lillie and Mel Cole, his sister, Stephanie McLain, his nieces, Abigail and Ansley McLain, his brother, Bob Blume, his sister in law, Kim Scott, his father in law, Mike Scott, his Aunts and Uncles, Nancy and Jim Jenkins and Laney and Tommy Ayres, cousins, and lastly, the village.

Honorary pallbearers include: Bob Blume, David Alexander, Bryan Hartlage, Tony Saccocio, Rob Heilman, Travis Rose, Pete Avritt, Reed Martin, Sean Dobbins, Danny Hornung, Nate Sells, Adam Gang, John Shumway, Mike Ross, Chloe Groemling, Ava Liening, and a host of many other best friends. Justin had too many friends to include all on such a short list. If you are reading this obituary you were an important part of his life and are also an honorary pallbearer.

His Memorial Visitation will be Saturday, November 8th from 2:00pm – 6:00pm at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Rd. More information will be posted via social media for a separate Celebration of Life at a later date.