Lilburn Leroy Cole Jr.

We are saddened by the passing of Lilburn Leroy “Lee” Cole Jr., 88, of Cary, NC, who died peacefully on Sunday, March 9, 2025. He was born February 2, 1937, in Derby, VA, to the late Lilburn “Leroy” Sr. and Opal Broyles Cole

After high school, Lee moved around joining the Army and later returning to Virginia where he graduated from Virginia Tech. Lee met the love of his life, Karon Elizabeth Cole, at a drive-in diner in Big Stone Gap, VA. This was the start to the journey of a lifetime. Lee and Karon enjoyed 58 years of marriage

Starting their lives together in Roanoke, VA, they had great adventures moving with Lee’s job at IBM to Panama where their son, Michael Todd, was born and later returning to Roanoke where their daughter, Robin, was born. They eventually settled in Cary, NC, in 1976. Upon moving to Cary, Lee and Karon created a home they cherished and established lifelong friends who became extended family.

Lee had a successful career dedicated to IBM where he was known to be a talented computer programmer. He worked on cutting edge programming code, including a coding team for the first internet protocol TCP/IP.

He was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.

Lee was preceded in death by his wife, Karon Elizabeth Cole, and his parents, Leroy Cole Sr. and Opal Broyles Cole. He is survived by his son, Mike Cole and his wife, Darla, of Sanford and his daughter, Robin and husband, Curt Sherrill of Apex. Lee was lovingly known as “Grandpa” by his grandchildren, Daniel Cole of Sanford, Addie and Zach Sherrill of Apex, as well as his grand dogs, Arrow and Yogi, and grand cats, Domino, Marbles and T-Rex. The family wishes to thank Lee and Karon’s caretaker, Elizabeth Mercedes, for her dedication and care over the years.

A memorial garden service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Saint Francis United Methodist Church in Cary at 3:00 pm. The family will have a reception and receive friends at the Sherrill Family home at 4:00 pm.