Coleman "Cole" Howard Johnson

Coleman Howard Johnson, age 37, passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Though his time on earth was far too short, the impact he made on the lives of others will live on forever. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a cherished son and brother, a proud uncle, and a loyal friend whose life was defined by service, sacrifice, and an unwavering love for others.

Cole leaves behind his beloved wife of 15 years, Jaime, and their three beautiful daughters, Addison, Peyton and Lainey, who were the greatest joys of his life. He is also survived by his parents, Danny and Lee Johnson, his sister, Amanda Johnson Turner, and his brothers-in-love, Casey Beasley (Tiffany), Stephen McHenry, and Josh Bustle (Jennifer). He also leaves behind his cherished nieces and nephews, Lily, Erin, Christopher, Lucas, Ryker and Thomas, as well as extended family members and countless friends who will forever hold him close in their hearts.

For more than 20 years, Cole devoted his time, energy, and heart to the volunteer fire service in his county. He started as a junior firefighter at Monticello Fire Department at 16, working his way up to Assistant Chief. Since 2022, he served at Trinity Fire and Rescue and was the Deputy Chief. As a firefighter, he did far more than answer the call—he lived by it. He was committed to protecting others, serving his community, and showing up when people needed him most. His dedication was never simply an obligation or a title; it was a reflection of the man he was.

Cole was the person you called when you needed help, and he was the first to step forward when someone was in trouble. He never hesitated to lend a hand, stand up for someone, or put the needs of others before his own. He was a protector, a problem-solver, and a steady presence in the lives of so many. His heart for service extended well beyond the fire department, touching every part of his life and every relationship he held dear.

To know Cole was to know someone you could count on. He gave freely of his time, his strength, and his heart. He had a way of making people feel safe, supported, and never alone. Whether serving his community, standing beside a friend, or loving his family, Cole showed through his actions what it truly meant to be there for others.

Cole leaves behind a legacy of service, sacrifice, loyalty, and love. He leaves big shoes to fill, but there will never be another Cole. His strength, his heart, his willingness to help, and the difference he made in the lives of others cannot be replaced. His absence will be felt deeply, in ways words can never truly express, but his memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Above all else, Cole’s greatest legacy is his family, especially his three precious daughters. He was truly meant to be a girl dad. Though they will have to grow up without their daddy by their side, they will forever carry his love, his strength, and a piece of his heart with them. The life he lived and the love he gave will continue to be part of their story for years to come.

Though his watch on this earth has ended, the legacy he built will continue through his family, his friends, the community he served, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

Cole answered the call throughout his life—not just as a firefighter, but as a husband, a father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He showed up when others needed him, stood strong when others needed support, and gave more of himself than words could ever convey.

Rest easy, Cole. Thank you for answering the call, for protecting those around you, for standing beside those who needed you, and for loving so many so well. Your watch may be over, but your legacy will never end. You will forever be loved, forever be missed, and never be forgotten.

Services will be on Wednesday October 28, 2026 at Beulah Baptist Church in Statesville with Pastor Brian Burgess officiating. Visitation will be from 12pm-1:30 pm with services to follow. Active pallbearers will be Casey Beasley, Stephen McHenry, Josh Bustle, Matthew Gunter, Luke Keith, Ryan Lippard, Evan Lunsford, and Jared Wiles. Honorary pallbearers will be members of emergency services. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the college funds established for Cole’s daughters, Addison, Peyton, and Lainey, would be greatly appreciated. These contributions will serve as a lasting tribute to Cole’s memory and help support the future of the three girls he loved more than anything in this world. Memorials can be left and deposited at any North Carolina State Employee Credit Union (NCSECU) location.

Troutman Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Cole Johnson.