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Samuel Cole Obituary

Samuel Jennings Cole, God’s good and faithful servant, passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2009, at Rex Hospital. “Sammy” is survived by his wife of 57 years, Martha Ann Lewis Cole of Springmoor Retirement Community; daughter, Sharon (Shay) Cole Vaughn and husband Stuart Vaughn of Wilmington, NC; Dr. Nancy Vann Cole of Richmond, VA; Tracy Cole Gable and husband Keith Gable of Wilmington, NC; and son, Samuel Jennings Cole, II and wife Pamela Knittell Cole of Raleigh, NC. In addition, he is survived by his three grandsons; Jeb Stuart Vaughn, Foster Cole Vaughn, and Wyatt Walter Gable, all of Wilmington, NC. His beloved niece, Alicia Cole Casadonte and her husband Frank Casadonte and children of Raleigh, NC and nephew, Andrew Campbell Cole and wife Sheila their children of Raleigh, NC. Sam was born in Elizabethtown, NC, on March 21, 1930 to Eva Kahle Cole and Roland Jennings Cole. He graduated from Elizabethtown High School in 1948. Sam attended Louisburg Junior College from 1948-1950 on a basketball scholarship. He continued his basketball career at High Point University matriculating in 1952 with a double major in History and English. From 1952 – 1954, Sam served in the United States Army becoming an X-ray technician and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. He then attended graduate school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel-Hill from 1954-55 and East Carolina University from 1956-57 receiving his Masters in Education and Superintendent’s Certificate. Sam began his profession career in Fremont, North Carolina, in 1955. From 1955-1962, he served in the capacities of teacher, coach, principal, and Superintendent. In 1962, he became the Assistant Superintendent of the Governor Morehead School for the Deaf and the Blind. From 1962-1982, Sam served as the Superintendent of the school. Retiring from public education, he became a financial consultant for Lincoln National, a career he enjoyed until his death. Sam was an active member of Forest Hills Baptist Church where he was a wonderful Sunday School teacher for youth groups and his peers, as well as, serving as the Chairman of the church’s Finance Committee. He enjoyed many afternoons on the links at North Ridge Country Club. The family will be receiving at Brown –Wynne Funeral Home, St. Mary’s Street from 5 – 7 pm on Saturday, October 3. The funeral service will be held at 2 on Sunday, October 4 at Forest Hill Baptist Church. Sam will be buried at Macclesfield Cemetery in Macclesfield, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Forest Hills Baptist Church, 201 Dixie Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownwynne.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer on Oct. 2, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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October 4, 2009

Ann, Shay, Nancy, Tracy & Sammy,
I have so many memories of being in your home on the Campus of The NC School for the Blind. That house was a fun place to gather. I also remember your Christmas Open House each year while there. I have such fond memories of Mr. Cole. I ALWAYS enjoyed spending time with your family and it will continue to be one of my most favorite childhood memories. God's Best and Blessings to you all.
Love,
Susan Fralick Woodard

October 4, 2009

Nancy, our hearts go out to you and your family at this difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts. Sending you lots of love and our prayers from Caroline County. Linda and Keith Upshaw and family

Rance Henderson

October 3, 2009

Sam was a great friend. We first got acquainted about thirty-five years ago. The friendship was such that every time we were together in a variety of settings I always wished there was a little more time. He had a great sense of humor. He always treated everyone with respect. I miss him already.

October 3, 2009

Our deepest sympathy. Sorry we are not able to attend the service.

John and Carol Nickolaus
Whiteville, NC

Mickey Callender

October 2, 2009

Nancy,
I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. If I can be of any assistance to you, please don't hesitate to ask
Mickey Callender

Carol; DeShazo

October 2, 2009

My thoughts and prayers ae with you at this time of great sorrow .I did not know your Dad but he must have been a very good man to have a daughter like you C. DeShazo

Brent McCord

October 2, 2009

My thoughts and condolences are with you all during this time of loss.

Jane Krakowsky

October 2, 2009

My thoughts are prayers are with you during this time. I am a co-worker of Nancy and wish to express my deep sympathy. God Bless you all that are left here on Earth - Samuel has already been blessed and is with God.

Terri Cook

October 2, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

John Pippin, Jr.

October 2, 2009

Our prayers go out to the family of a wonderful and great man. He had an influence in my life as an example of a great educator. I learned from him good character lessons as an Elementary Student at Fremont High School that carried over into my life. He was well respected in our community.

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