Samuel Lee Cole

Samuel L. Cole was born October 5th, 1946 in Batesville, Mississippi to the late Nennie S. (Hughes) and the late Agen C. Cole. To all that knew him, he was a funny and hardworking individual who touched the lives of everyone. In 1957, the Cole family relocated to Chicago, Illinois during the Great Migration for a better life for their children. He was the fourth child of eight siblings. Samuel met Annie Cooper in 1966 and married in 1967. Samuel and Annie lovingly raised three children; Larry, Regina, and Samuel Jr.

Samuel attended Marshall High School in Chicago, IL. Once leaving high school, he joined the workforce where he worked at Decker Drill for over 10 years. Then he worked for many years at CXM. On the weekends to relax from work, he enjoyed socializing at his local Westside Bar where he would enjoy a glass of whisky.

Samuel retired in 2009 after working 36 great years. He was passionate about keeping all his cars clean, especially his favorite Lincoln Towncar. You would never catch it dirty! He loved gardening and maintaining his hedges. He loved traveling to Mississippi to visit family and old friends. In his retirement, he greatly enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles, shooting pool, and watching black-and-white cowboy films. The Illinois Lottery is sadly losing money without him as he was an avid player of the lottery.

Samuel was a fighter and beat cancer twice, but unfortunately during this third courageous battle, he succumbed to his illness. Samuel gained his wings on February 7, 2025. 

He is preceded in death by: His parents; and five of his eight siblings, Namon, Corencia, Lurine, Charles, and Alkalee. He is survived by: His wife of 58 years; two sisters, Melvoria and Beatrice; and his three children. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Nicoletta, Juarez Jr., Samantha, Lamar and Shawn.

Samuel was a devoted son, brother, uncle, father, grandfather and friend to all. He will forever be in our hearts.