His Story
The Print Guy
Born John Tony Cole in February 1962 in Morganton, North Carolina, Tony grew into a man defined by his eye for design, his devotion to his family, and his easy warmth with everyone he met.
After earning his BFA in Graphic Design from Western Carolina University, Tony worked as an illustrator, graphic designer, art director, and creative director for agencies across the Southeast — picking up, by his own account, "an excellent tan" during a stretch in Myrtle Beach, SC, before finding a creative home in Charlotte as art director for a sports marketing firm.
In 1988, he had one of the boldest ideas of his career: founding Cole Creative, with aspirations of changing the face of advertising as he knew it. The agency quickly built a reputation for outstanding print advertising, concept, and design — work that, over 25-plus years, earned him numerous awards, along with clients like the Charlotte Motor Speedway, NASCAR teams, and businesses across Charlotte. He liked to joke that during this same stretch, his golf game suffered, and he finally had to give up his life-long dream of playing major league baseball.
Tony took an old-school approach to his craft — research first, then thumbnail sketches, layout comps, and years of production experience brought to bear on every project. Known throughout his career by that name, he later turned that same love of design and classic movies into PrintGuyStudio, his Etsy shop of movie, TV, and sports quote posters — 14,000-plus sales and 13 years of making people smile, one perfectly-chosen quote at a time.
An avid Carolina Panthers fan, Tony's name is enshrined at the stadium as an original PSL owner — a point of real pride for him. He loved football, Atlanta Braves baseball, Carolina beach music, country music, animals, a good book, and above all, time with his kids and grandkids. He was also known for his dry, quick wit — always ready with a pun, a terrible joke, or a long story with a perfect punchline — and for his love of drawing political cartoons.
"During this time, Tony's golf game suffered and he finally gave up his life-long dream of playing major league baseball."
In Their Words
From his daughter, Addyson
"My dad was one of the funniest people I've ever known, and he'd be the first person to tell you that. He was always quick with a joke, whether it was the driest of humor, a terrible pun, or a long story with a great punchline, he could make just about anyone laugh. I'd also like to think that I'm one of the funniest people I know, and I get it straight from him.
Dad peacefully passed away late Tuesday night, and we sat with him telling stories and probably embarrassing the hell out of him. I don't know how to exist in a world where I can't immediately text him after watching a new movie to ask if he'd seen it, or calling him with another book recommendation, or enduring another heartbreaking Panthers game with much-needed beers in hand. But I do know we're keeping those gosh darn season tickets, and whenever that damn football team finally wins the last game of the season, I know he'll be there.
I'm sure that right now he's comfortably sitting on a beach and listening to Kenny Chesney with a Corona in hand. And I know that last night when I would have texted him asking if he'd seen The Beekeeper, he would have said “yep – fun watch but a lot of plot holes. I looked just like Jason Statham in college, by the way, just with hair.” Because he was indeed the funniest person I'd ever met, even if the joke was really really bad."
— Addyson Cole
"Very early this past Wednesday morning, 8/19/26, my former husband, Tony Cole, passed away. It happened much quicker than any of us expected. He had a number of medical issues that plagued him in recent years, but he never lost his sarcastic sense of humor.
We spent 16 years married, most of them happily. He gave me the two greatest gifts of my life, our kids Addy Cole and Payton Cole. Please keep them and their half-brother, Cameron, in your prayers. I know what it's like to lose your father too soon. It changes so many things.
We have wonderful memories and each other to lean on. We will be fine, but for now, we grieve, remember, and hug all the remaining loved ones."
— Julie Schaefer Murphy
"Not gonna lie…I've had many tough weeks in my life. But last week was extreme. I wrote 50 different versions of this post. I'm still in shock because I can't wrap my head around the fact that he's gone. Every time he went into the hospital these past few years he eventually got out.
I do know the staff at Atrium Main ICU were amazing. I'm so grateful they understood what I didn't. They called us all together and we were able to say goodbye. So many emotions…"
— Denise Sobieraj Cole
"I'll miss you pops. Thanks for the love."
— Payton Cole
"We will miss you Poppy. We promise to keep your memory and humor alive for your grandsons. We know how much you loved them and how proud you were when you became a grandfather. Oh and don't worry, Payton is making sure they have good taste in music. Please keep my husband and our family in your prayers."
— Debby Cole
