Samuel Cole

Samuel Jay Cole, 91, of Nokesville, VA, died Thursday, January 17, 2008, at Prince William Hospital after a brief illness. Treasured by his family and friends, Dr. Cole was known for his kindness, generosity, and zest for life. Dr. Cole was born January 11, 1917, in Roanoke, VA. In 1930 he moved to Chicago with his family and began working with his brother in their uncle's wrecking business. To finance his education, he worked as a dishwasher, a bellhop, and an usher at the Chicago Opera. In 1940 he graduated from Northern Illinois College of Optometry. Before settling into practice, Dr. Cole pursued a variety of jobs throughout the United States. He drove Hudson automobiles from Detroit to Los Angeles, obtained a merchant marine's license in San Francisco, and worked as a writer in New Orleans. In 1943 Dr. Cole began his optometric practice, working one day a week in the Virginia towns of Orange, Culpeper, and Manassas, and two days a week in Alexandria. By 1955 he had established a full-time office in Manassas, which at the time was the only optometric practice in then-rural Prince William County. Dr. Cole was honored as the Virginia Optometrist of the Year in 1982. Dr. Cole was an active participant in business and community affairs. He was a longtime member of the Greater Manassas Chamber of Commerce and served as president in 1956-1957. During the 1960s he partnered with two friends to establish WPRW, a local radio station. With an enduring interest in local history, Dr. Cole was an early and enthusiastic supporter of the Manassas Museum. For many years Dr. Cole and his family lived on a small farm on Lucasville Road, where he raised Angus cattle, bees, and pine trees. In later years, Dr. Cole and his family lived on a small farm on Aden Road. For decades he enjoyed sharing nature and giving tractor rides to children from local schools as well as to a host of relatives and family friends. Dr. Cole is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Julia Cole; son, James Cole of Centreville, VA; daughter, Ann Paciulli and husband Orlo of Purcellville, VA; and daughter, Juliana Babicz and husband John of Nokesville, VA. He is survived by six grandchildren: Aaron Cole of Sanford, NC; Juliana Paciulli of Los Angeles, CA; Lauren Babicz of Nokesville, VA; Sarah Paciulli of Malaga, Spain; Richard Samuel Babicz of Santa Fe, NM; and Celeste Cole of Boone, NC. Dr. Cole is also survived by many special nephews, nieces, and dear friends. The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2008, at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center St., Manassas, VA. A Memorial Service will follow at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dr. Cole's name to the Human Immune Therapy Center, University of Virginia, Room 1352 Jordan Hall, 1300 Jefferson Park Avenue, PO Box 801457, Charlottesville, VA 22908 or to the Manassas Museum, 9101 Prince William Street, Manassas, VA 20110.

Samuel Cole

January 11, 1917 - January 17, 2008