Samuel J. Cole

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