John Tony Cole
August 19, 2026
Tony Cole, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully early on the morning of August 19, 2026. He spent his last hours surrounded by his children, former spouses, and his daughter-in-law.
Born John Tony Cole, in February 1962 in Morganton, NC he was preceded in death by his father, Reverend John Wesley Cole, his mother, Wilda Ruppe Cole, his older brother Tommy Cole, and brother-in-law Randy McRary.
He is survived by his three children, Addyson Cole (fiancé Will Jordan), Payton Cole (wife Debby Scheurich Cole), and Cameron Cole; former wives Julie (Schaefer) Murphy and Denise Sobieraj Cole; grandsons Cyrus and Casper Cole (who called him Poppy); sisters Marsha McRary and Mari-Lynn Sain (husband Arnold), and a host of nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Tony graduated from Western Carolina University and went on to be a talented, Addy-award-winning graphic designer. He owned a successful creative agency, Cole Creative, for more than three decades, producing work for The Charlotte Motor Speedway, numerous NASCAR teams, and Charlotte businesses. Known fondly throughout his career as “The Print Guy”, he turned his love of design and classic movies into a thriving Etsy shop with that moniker.
An avid Carolina Panthers fan, his name is enshrined at the stadium as an original PSL owner.
He was an avid reader and loved football, Atlanta Braves baseball, Carolina beach music, country music, animals, and spending time with his kids and grandkids.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Sept. 20, from noon to 3 p.m. at Hopfly Brewing Company, 1327 S. Mint Street, Charlotte, NC.
Everyone will be invited to share their favorite stories about Tony, and attendees are encouraged to wear Carolina Panthers gear to help celebrate Tony’s love for his favorite team.
We will serve a tailgate-style buffet and have plenty of beverages.
RSVPs are not necessary, but if you have access to Facebook, an event page is being created, so let us know if you can join us.
In preparation for Tony's celebration of life, the family is asking people to upload photos of Tony to https://colecreative.com/#gallery
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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Our sympathies to you and your family. Fond memories will last a lifetime. Comfort and peace at this sorrowful time.
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Thanks to you Tony, I'll always keep a good thought.
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Tony was my best buddy in high school. He moved to Eden from Morganton before our 10th grade year & was not happy having to leave many good friends. His father was the new preacher at our church, so we spent time together at church & school. We grew up through those years talking about girls, parties & the future.
Eden was a small town & so we had to make our own fun. We spent many a Sunday afternoon riding around town wearing gorilla masks, pulling up to intersections to stare at the people in the car beside us!
Everybody loved Tony & he was always doing something to get a laugh. He & I sang in the choir & Tony would draw caricatures of people in thje congregation to the amusement of the rest of the choir while getting dirty looks from his father in pulpit because of our snickering.
Tony had the ability to bring people together, it was almost like they were drawn to him. Whether through softball teams, Panthers games, golfing events or weekend backyard volleyball tournaments, Tony pulled eeryone together.
We were close through high school, stayed in touch thgrough college year, & I was a groomsman when he married Julie. Unfortunately we fell out of touch & it was my fault. Tony tried to keep in touch but I was too busy & before I knew it we were worlds apart. I regret losing his friendship. Though I know he would have welcomed me back without hesitation.
Tony was a great friend & I cherish the memories we made in our wild & crazy youth.
Lee Snuggs -
Tony was a kind friend and a great dad. I enjoyed our time watching our kids play soccer and we chased a few golf balls around. RIP Tony.?
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