Monday, October 5, 2026

Benjamin Cole Duty

 Cole Duty, born March 29, 1996, in Columbus, Georgia, will be remembered for his intelligence, kindness, devotion to family, love of tennis, and the many lives he touched through coaching and friendship.

Cole was a graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law and an attorney with Williams Young. He brought dedication and a strong work ethic to his profession, but some of his greatest joy came from the tennis court.

Tennis was a lifelong passion for Cole. He played at Winston Academy and East Central Community College before returning to Winston Academy as a coach. He formed a special bond with the young players he coached and took great pride in encouraging them on and off the court. He was also actively involved with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), and the tennis community held a special place in his heart.

Cole loved his family deeply, especially his niece, Ella, and nephew, Liam. He was also a devoted pet owner who cherished his dogs, Red and Max, and his cats, Chris and Rudy. Those who knew him will remember his love of Alabama football and Coca-Cola.

Cole is survived by his parents, Darrell and Gina Duty; his sister, Courtney Duty; his brother, Nick Duty; his uncle, Greg Rogers; his aunt, Vicki Duty; his cousins, Lauren and Andy Dunn and their children, Anderson and Hallie; and his cousin, Brandon Rogers. He is also survived by his beloved niece, Ella, and nephew, Liam, as well as extended family members, friends, fellow attorneys, tennis families, players, and many others whose lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Benny Roy and Jimmie Irene Rogers; his paternal grandparents, Charles and Shirley Duty; and his uncle, Dennis Duty.

His pallbearers are Nick Duty, Liam Hunt, Brandon Rogers, Cheston Jones, Jason Carr, and Andy Dunn.

Though Cole’s life was far too short, his impact will endure. He will be remembered for the people he encouraged, the children he coached, the family and friends he loved, and the joy he brought to all who knew him.

Funeral services for Cole will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2026, in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel in Louisville, Mississippi, with Bro. Heath Hillman officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 11 a.m. until service time at Massey Funeral Home. Interment will immediately follow the service in Ellison Ridge Cemetery.