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Samuel “Sambo” Cole

Posted By Lake Shore Funeral Home On April 16, 2019 @ 1:00 pm In Obituaries | 79 Comments

Samuel “Sambo” Cole, 63, of China Spring, passed away Thursday, April 11.

Memorial Celebration: Friday, April 19, 2019 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, at Lake Shore Funeral Home, with a eulogy read by Shortcut Spinney at 3:30.

Sambo was born June 3, 1955, in Washington D.C., to Richard and Martha Cole.  With his father being in the military, they lived all around the world.  As an adult, he rode his motorcycle all over the country, where he met all kinds of people along the way.  In 1982, he finally settled in Waco, although his wondering spirit still drove him to jump on his motorcycle and travel as the mood took him.  He was a bartender by trade and worked at many different bars in and around Waco.

Sambo never met a stranger and never judged anyone for their differences instead seeing past the outside and reaching people.  He was one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Retired Lt. Col. Richard E. and Martha Cole; brother, Andrew Cole; and sister, Cris Cole.

Sambo is survived by his wife, Sherrie Morgan-Cole; sons, Samuel Anthony Cole and wife, Wendy and Billy Morgan; granddaughters, Lydia, Zoe, and Aiden Cole, Zayla “Termite” and Zariah Morgan; brother, Richard Cole and wife, Karen; sister, Cindy Chal and husband, Jim; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708



Print Obituary & Condolences Print Obituary & Condolences

Condolences for the family of “Samuel “Sambo” Cole”

Condolence from Deanna Elston on April 12th, 2019 5:52 pm

RIP Sambo

Condolence from Mitzi on April 12th, 2019 5:58 pm

Rest easy Sambo, see u on the other side

Condolence from Mary Grenne on April 12th, 2019 6:44 pm

I am glad I had the privilege of knowing you Sambo, fly with the angels.

Condolence from Janet Ramirez on April 12th, 2019 8:59 pm

Rest in Heaven my friend.

Condolence from Crystal dillinger on April 12th, 2019 10:18 pm

Love and prayers sent to the family. REstate in peace Sambo. Your forever in my heart.

Love and prayers, crystal gayle.

Condolence from B.J. tha D.J. on April 13th, 2019 8:18 am

Sambo, you will be missed by most, and remembered by all! Ride free old friend…

Condolence from Mary Fitzpatrick on April 13th, 2019 8:50 am

When we consider the people we truly admire in our lives, we may not be able to count too many.
There are people we listen to even when they say nothing and the people who make us smile without meaning to. These people don’t even realize they are like this , because their hearts are humbled and they don’t grasp after influencing others ….Samuel Cole this was you !
One day you came into my world and from that moment you enrich the lives of many from all walks of life .
I will always treasure the times from first meeting you at Runts and through all our times from Lake Waco, Sleeper Street and the entire City of Waco.
Wish our times would’ve lasted longer here on earth but we all now have an angel in heaven called SAMBO………..,.cheers my dear friend
FITZIE

Condolence from Edna Zilem on July 3rd, 2022 2:47 pm

💔✊️💯

Condolence from Rasha Hunter on April 13th, 2019 9:08 am

Sending positive and healing vibes to the family. Sambo was one of a kind and will be truly missed by all who loved him dearly.

Condolence from Judith Mcgee on April 13th, 2019 9:21 am

My heart aches for the family. I truly loved this man. Guess he and Bruce are having a great talk as they use to do. My prayers . Judith Mcgee.

Condolence from Kristie Reynolds on April 13th, 2019 11:53 am

Well you have gone and left us all behind… Never will I forget your crazy ass!! I’ll always remember!!! Thanks for being there for me and being my friend and brother in-law. . I’m happy I got to know you for so many years. And there was a lot of years 30 plus.. I’m thankful for all you shared with me and boy did I learn… Haha thanks for letting me know you and Samuel.. all my love, rest easy FATSO

Condolence from Joni on April 13th, 2019 12:43 pm

Samuel, you know me heart and how i felt about your dad! I know your life had forever changed. But he taught you to be tough, and you are! You have an awesome support team. Wendy and your girls are and your mom are gifts from God. Don’t be afraid to lean on them. I’m very proud of the man you have become and i know for a fact that your pops was so very proud of you too! He wasn’t a perfect man but he loved with all his heart! I’m just a phone call away, anytime! Just take it one day at a time❤

Condolence from Vernette Pack on April 13th, 2019 1:41 pm

We spent many years since the late 70s following Sambo from place to place. Long time at Wallys and Lakeside, then of course on Dallas highway, now he can see Bobby and Donald Scott and Big mama, (jo ann) and many others we have lost over the years. They are all missed here. Good thing you left a son that seems alot like you Sambo, hard shoes to fill but he seemed to be doing it the best he could. I will be praying for peace and comfort for all of the friends and family left behind.

Condolence from Kathy Marshall on April 13th, 2019 3:28 pm

I’m going to miss your crazy self so much haven’t seen you in awhile but when I did we always had a good time you’re one of the greatest people I’ve ever met Will Always Love You Sambo

Condolence from Steven York on April 13th, 2019 4:04 pm

You were a good friend, love ya Brother, I’ll see you on the other side….

Condolence from judy fairchild on April 13th, 2019 5:29 pm

so sorry for the family.he was a great guy.rip sambo.

Condolence from Gary Moon on April 13th, 2019 5:53 pm

Sambo you were one of the great ones left, you will be truly missed. Your old friend and drinking buddy Gary Moon. God Bless your soul.

Condolence from James Trent on April 13th, 2019 6:29 pm

My friend, my brother, Sam my heart aches for your loss. Words will never express how devastating this blow has been. Should you need a friend to sit beside in silence I’m there! My love for you and yours will always be there . Bless you and yours in this time!

Condolence from Steph on April 13th, 2019 10:49 pm

You were my friend as long as I can remember & I Will see you again! Praying for family & all that loved you! RIP Sambo!!

Condolence from Ronald Kearney on April 14th, 2019 7:27 pm

Thank you for being you sambo love you carry Michelle West guy

Condolence from moon on April 14th, 2019 9:23 pm

rest in peace old frend

Condolence from john Spearance on April 15th, 2019 8:54 am

John and Linda Spearance we will miss you ,rest in peace.

Condolence from Lesley on April 15th, 2019 11:41 am

To the character of Waco whom I enjoyed working with for years and the friendship we had I thank you. Sambo, you will be missed and always remembered! My condolences to all of his family and friends. Laughs and Buds are coming to the afterlife via Sambo!
Love, Peaches

Condolence from Weezer on April 15th, 2019 11:42 am

Sambo, you were one of kind and I will never forget you or your friendship. Ride free & Give ’em hell, My friend.
weezer

Condolence from John Lambert on April 15th, 2019 1:43 pm

Sambo many moons many great times.

Condolence from Sandy Sustaita and Felix Rivera on April 15th, 2019 2:01 pm

You will be missed brother

Condolence from Sandy Sustaita and Felix Rivera on April 15th, 2019 2:03 pm

You will be missed brother. Will never be forgotten

Condolence from Claudia White on April 15th, 2019 3:37 pm

Sambo You were such an amazing man. Helping everybody with benifits and You were a father figure to so many. You will missed by many. But God needed you. Go rest high on that mountain. Your work on earth is done. Claudia

Condolence from Kelly Smith Icky Twerp on April 15th, 2019 3:45 pm

I feel your smile from here brother, soon we all be together, love ya like I do xo, curtsy

Condolence from Paula Hoffman Paulk on April 15th, 2019 4:16 pm

Sambo you are one of a kind and will be missed by my friends. You will be able to update Frey and Hoffman and let them know things aren’t the same without all of you guys! You are a legend and will truly be missed.

Condolence from Paula on April 15th, 2019 4:19 pm

Psalm 23 King James Version (KJV)

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Condolence from Paula on April 15th, 2019 4:22 pm

Psalm 23 King James Version (KJV)Psalm 23 King James Version (KJV)

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Condolence from Alfred (Freddy) & Rose Pena on April 15th, 2019 6:07 pm

Samuel & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad, Sambo, and good friend. We knew Sambo way back in the day and for a long time. Every time we saw him, he always had a great smile and a big hug for us both. A Great Person!
He will truly be missed!
Rest in Peace, Our Friend!

Alfred (Freddy) & Rose Pena

Condolence from Avie on April 15th, 2019 7:44 pm

Blessed Be, Sambo.

Condolence from Sue Miller on April 15th, 2019 11:40 pm

Rest in peace Sambo. ????????????????

Condolence from Brenda Campbell on April 16th, 2019 10:43 am

Mprayers are offered up for the family. Sambo will be mmissed by all. He was the real deal. May he RIP.

Condolence from Karolyn Bear on April 20th, 2019 3:23 am

My good friend I enjoyed our years of knowing each other,. We laughed and had good times. I will miss you so much as will Soo many family and friends. Soar high my friend. I will see you down the road. To his family I will keep u in my prayers and I am Soo sorry for ur loss

Always – CC

Condolence from Judson May on April 16th, 2019 11:17 am

Love you ,gonna miss you, can’t say Thank you enough, Honored to know you , very fortunate to have you as a friend. you will be forever missed and forever remembered. If there’s a bar in heaven I’ll know where to find you. Love you Sambo Always!!

Condolence from Dawn vigil on April 16th, 2019 12:18 pm

This world lost a wonderful person r.i.p.

Condolence from Ed and Robin Brady on April 16th, 2019 1:02 pm

Rest In Peace, Sambo.

Condolence from Toby Hill on April 16th, 2019 2:42 pm

Ride the heavens my friend. God bless you.

Condolence from Angelanne Shilling on April 16th, 2019 4:03 pm

I’m blessed to have known you. Thanks for all the great memories. You will never be forgotten. Much love and respect – Angelanne

Condolence from Bonita Huff on April 16th, 2019 4:18 pm

RIP Sambo. You were one of the very first people I met when I moved to Waco in 1989. I will always remember you.

Condolence from Amy Stotts on April 16th, 2019 6:40 pm

Oh the amazing memories.

That infectious cackle and laugh.

The honesty and the kindness.

That smile.

You were a Friend to all.

You will be greatly missed!!!

Love you Sambo….

Condolence from Sandy on April 16th, 2019 7:23 pm

You made me feel so welcome with each visit. Your Canadian friend will miss you very much. Enjoy the ride my friend.

Condolence from Barefoot Shelli Nabors on April 16th, 2019 9:15 pm

We’ve shared a trillion laughs and I will love you until there’s nothing…
Meet ya in the next world…..
Barefoot Shelli

Condolence from David Greene on April 16th, 2019 9:29 pm

I will never forget the day we met and all the great times we had. RIP my friend.

Condolence from Elaine Gail Pena on April 16th, 2019 10:04 pm

Hey Sambo it’s trouble I will miss you very much you always talked me out of making mistakes I can’t tell how many times but you were the best tell Frey hello and we miss the hell out of y’all it’s always the good die young love you RIP my friend

Condolence from Susan Ryan on April 17th, 2019 5:13 am

Sambo it was an honor to have you as my friend not a day went by without infectious laughter big smile and all your crazy antics I will miss you R I P .

Condolence from Patti Ryan & Bill Moore on April 17th, 2019 8:09 am

To a Great Brother we miss you and Love u my BROTHER !!!! Fly and ride FREE. !!!!!!’ RIP !!!

Condolence from Robert & Lisa Warren on April 17th, 2019 8:21 am

To Sambo’s Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all today and in the days ahead. We had the great honor of being able to call him our friend. Fly high Sambo!

Condolence from JoAnne Yezzi on April 17th, 2019 12:57 pm

Sambo,
You crazy old fool! I’m making a giant bowl
Of Pasta salad just for you!
Luv ya and gonna miss ya!
❤ JoJo.
Aka Moosehoof!

Condolence from Micki on April 17th, 2019 1:50 pm

Rest in peace my friend.
I had the pleasure of working next to you for the few years we had Smoken Rayz. You taught me things I needed to know and some I probably didn’t! You were always there for me and anyone else that needed help because that’s who you were and what you did! Your memory will remain with me through my lifetime. Much love and respect to you Sambo! Til we meet again

Condolence from Nathan Coleman on April 17th, 2019 5:47 pm

Sambo, one of my favorite people in the world, and the best f@$!”+# bartender ever known. You are greatly missed by all, more and more, by the minute. I remember like yesterday the day I told you you were the best bartender I’ve ever known or had…And your response? Fu## you MF, how’s that for the best. Never will I forget that. You were then and still are the greatest ever known, and a legend. One of the wisest full of the best knowledge men that I’ve ever met. I love you and thank you for every word you’ve shared with me. It meant so much to every time you told me you loved me. I knew every word of it was true and from the heart. I love you too brother. RIP

“GEORGIOUS GEORGE”
Nathan Coleman

Condolence from Bigfoot on April 17th, 2019 7:41 pm

Go easy sammy rip

Condolence from Christina on April 17th, 2019 7:50 pm

RIP Sambo!
Christina & John

Condolence from Jaime on April 18th, 2019 11:17 am

I’ll miss you, mongaloid. Sending you much love 🙂

Condolence from Pam Ford on April 18th, 2019 3:03 pm

Sambo was one of a kind and his laugh will be missed by all who knew him! Samuel, I will always be grateful to your dad for bringing me to your home (from a bar) when you were still a baby, to meet my oldest and dearest friend, your Mom. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and many friends. Thank you for the video, it brought back some good memories!
Love,
Pam

Condolence from Doug Nix Sr on April 18th, 2019 6:05 pm

I was so fortunate to have afriend in you Sambo. Prayers for you and family.

Condolence from Keith Brwer on April 18th, 2019 7:36 pm

Sorry to read about the loss of Sambo. My best to Sherrie & her family.

KEITH

Condolence from Adam White on April 18th, 2019 9:21 pm

I enjoyed the screwdrivers! Thanks Sambo!

Condolence from Georgia Ross on April 19th, 2019 3:46 am

Gonna be different not tracking you down from time to time. You were one the best friends I ever had. Thank you for the fun and the support. There will never be another you. Say hi to Butch for me and I’ll see you’ll again…..

Condolence from Matt and Annette Davis on April 19th, 2019 5:11 am

Our deepest condolences and may the Lord shine upon and keep you. Sambo’s witticisms and sage advice will be missed by any and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Condolence from gwen F breedlove on April 19th, 2019 8:51 am

Thank you, Sambo, for all the laughs…forever your friend…lizard.

Condolence from Janet Mitchell on April 19th, 2019 9:48 am

Rest In Peace Sambo

Condolence from Susie Gilleland on April 19th, 2019 9:58 am

So truly sorry. Sambo…you were one of a kind and you will be greatly missed by all who knew you!

Condolence from Tammy and Ricky Studer on April 19th, 2019 10:35 am

Sambo was one of a kind, his absence will be felt deeply by all those whose life he touched. Our prayers are with his family.

Condolence from Cindy (Fluffy) Sardina on April 19th, 2019 10:47 am

Damn..Sambo..you always told me I had the kind of ass you liked..with legs attached to it lollol..grinning through the tears. You always made me smile when you called me Fluffy or Peaches. Been in bar fights with you,late night insane breakfasts you concocted from the ground zero refrigerator at your house, lol and too many good times to count,but none are forgotten. Rest in peace you extraordinary man.. I will look forward to seeing you again someday????

Condolence from Tim Toole on April 19th, 2019 11:47 am

So sorry 4/ your loss God Bless

Condolence from Connie Gilmore McDugal on April 19th, 2019 12:32 pm

Sambo, you were one of a kind.just know youre up there with Big Gene, Fat Cat, Big Hank yelling old sstories..thanks for always bringing a smile to my face and everyone you came in contact with..tellem hello in Heaven for me.prayers for your family.

Condolence from Cherise Hernandez on April 19th, 2019 12:33 pm

Sambo,
Words cant describe, how missed you’ll bbe, forever in our hearts, always in our minds…. Many Memories…. Ride On…

RIP
Cherise

Condolence from Rhoda and Butch Heffelfinger on April 19th, 2019 2:37 pm

0ur dear friend!! You will be missed! Rest in peace and we will see you on the other side.

Condolence from Blake Landfried on April 19th, 2019 2:57 pm

Sambo, you scared the hell out of me when I first met you at DJ’s. But I’m so glad that I got to know the real you. I smiled throughout your memorial video, because you were such a nut! A very happy nut! You lived by your own rules and loved people with all your heart! You will be so missed, but will forever be in our hearts.

My condolences to you, Samuel and family. I know he’s proud of you!

Condolence from Richard Ennis on April 19th, 2019 4:32 pm

Sambo was a One Of A Kind Friend of mine. My self & Everyone who knew him lost a great friend
Who’ll be missed.

Condolence from Klif Hernandez on April 20th, 2019 1:48 pm

R.I.P brother. Thanks for your support

Condolence from Tami Jo Ryals Shoquist on April 20th, 2019 3:08 pm

Never forget all the laughs and fun times we had from back when you just arrived on stage Waco Tx . you were an awesome guy badass bartender and your memeories will be cherished by your army! Me you and Krazy Vicky never laughed harder than we did at Runts on some wild nights !Thank you from all of us!Until we meet again ! Ride high Sambo ill look for you in the clouds.. Love to the family you had one hell of a man! Sorry i didnt know until it was already done. May you find peace and comfort knowing hes still watching over his family. RIP SAMBO!!!
Tami Jo Ryals aka Waco
Wild Baby

Condolence from Christina White on April 22nd, 2019 10:30 am

Sambo, you had a heart of gold and such contagious laughter. Love and many blessings to you and your family. It was a pleasure knowing you!!! Ride free in heaven, my friend. Sincerest condolences, Sam and family.

Condolence from Raymond Kearney on October 27th, 2020 4:30 pm

Sledge..Raymond Kearney
Love you brother..always
Never forget..time together
Ride high with the ANGLES

Condolence from William Keister on May 27th, 2021 4:15 pm

Sam**,

I’m sorry to hear this…. RIP.
But back in the early days when you were a tough marine and my only friend, you’re heart was gold, we had some good times went through some tough times too.
Remember Matamoros 73′ what a party were we young and dumb!

Damn life throughs us serious curve balls and we went separate ways, we lost touch but even now I still think about you and those days. I miss those days somehow! How you were a true friend. Always there to the end through thick or thin to help or to laugh.
Somehow I always thought we would meet again someday, I guess the clock never stops. You we’re bigger than life Sam, it was a privilege to call you a friend.
Watching the video you have many good friends and family who love you.
I haven’t seen you in years and my heart is broken.
RIDE ON BROTHER!!! Your Never Forgotten! RIP.
Condolences to your family and friends.
You are missed.

Respectfully,

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