RANDY COLE

Randy Clarence Cole, 72, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Dec. 21, 2024.

A memorial service was conducted on Jan. 10 at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Mark Wilburn officiating. Burial followed at Randolph Memorial Park.

Randy was born on June 11, 1952 in Asheboro. He was a beloved figure in his community and a lifelong horseman known for his warm personality and love of conversation. 

After graduating high school, Randy began his career with horses at Claude Shiflet Stables in 1972. In 1979, he moved to Wilson, where he worked for Jake Marsh and J Marsh Stables before operating Randy Cole Stables. 

In 1986, he and his family moved to Fayetteville, where he spent more than 20 years heading up Dr. Gary and Iris Garrison's G & I Broodmare Farm in Raeford. He and his fiancée Becky Teater then moved to Linda and Steve Myers' farm in Belews Creek in 2008, where they operated Mystic View Stables before settling in Louisville in 2012.

He was inducted into Chapter 12 United Professional Horsemen's Association Saddlehorse Hall of Fame in 2024 and was the American Saddlebred Association of the Carolina's Trainer of the Year in 2005. He has also served as president on the board of the Chapter 12 United Professional Horsemen's Association.

Randy was preceded in death by grandparents, Alese Freeman and George Cole; and Esther Walker and Charles Moody. He is survived by his mother Virginia Moody Cole; fiancée Becky Teater; sons Chad (Michelle) and Randy (Jordan) Blake; daughter Crystal (James Bowman); and grandchildren Kynlee Cole, Kynadee Bowman, Olivia Bowman, Cameron Cole, and Madyson Cole.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Foundation at https://als.org/donate.