Visitation: Friday, January 2, 2026
Visitation Time: 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Visitation Location: Life Center Church
63 E. Kennedy Boulevard
Eatonville, Florida
Service Date: Monday, January 5, 2026
Service Time: 12:00
Service Location: First Baptist Church of Orlando
3000 S. John Young Parkway
Orlando, Florida
Obituary:
Edward “Eddie” Cole, the Former Eatonville mayor, Rollins College basketball coach and civic leader departed this life on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the age of 67. Eddie served as the mayor of Florida’s oldest Black incorporated municipality from 2016 to 2022.
Eddie was born on May 5, 1958 in Canton, Ohio to the late Myrtis and Percy Cole. He relocated to Florida, and ultimately found Eatonville to be the place where he would call home. Eddie was an outspoken supporter for preserving the town’s history, including at the site of the former Hungerford School, the area’s first school for Black students. In an interview he said, “I love this town. I will move no-where except the historic town of Eatonville, if I had to do it over again. After being able to go to three or four different states and cities to do work with youth, I would choose this again,” Cole said.
Along with his role as mayor, Cole was a longtime assistant basketball coach for the Rollins women’s basketball team. His significant contributions to the success of the Rollins Tars basketball program were formally recognized on March 23, 2023, with his induction into the Rollins Sports Hall of Fame.
For over 30 years, Cole was a dedicated presence on the Rollins bench, serving alongside coach Glenn Wilkes, Jr. He was instrumental in national and Central Florida recruiting efforts for the Tars, helping the team achieve an average of more than 20 victories per season and 16 appearances in the NCAA Division II Tournament during his tenure.
During the NBA season, Cole served as a chaplain for the Orlando Magic basketball team.
His pride and joy came as Cole served for two decades as the executive director of Every Kid Outreach Inc., working with middle and high school minority youth in Eatonville, Winter Park, Maitland and Apopka. By engaging children through relationship building, inspiring them with their program, and connecting kids to their purpose, EKO aims to empower every child to reach their brightest future. Through wholesome programs, the goal is for students to be spiritually, physically, and emotionally healthy, to be of good character, and to gain the tools necessary to reach their full potential.
The Historic Town of Eatonville, Central Florida and beyond mourns the passing of the Honorable Edward Cole. He was a devoted public servant, visionary leader, and unwavering advocate for our youth and community. For all his success on the court, Eddie’s impact on the community was by far his most impressive feat. From serving as mayor of historic Eatonville to serving as team chaplain for the Orlando Magic to the thousands of lives he touched from his charitable efforts and volunteer work, there quite simply was no one like Eddie Cole.
Mayor Cole’s legacy of service, compassion, and commitment to progress will forever be etched in the heart of Eatonville. We will continue to honor his life, leadership, and the indelible impact he made in our world. The Central Florida community has lost a tremendous leader and an amazing man. May you rest in eternal peace, Eddie.
His precious memories will be cherished by his daughters, Crystal Cole, Alicia Cole, Brittany Waters; sons, Alex (Trinity) Cole, Obiora ( Adaobi) Nnaji, Pastor Jermaine (Jessica) Reynolds; sister, Vera Thomas; 11 grandchildren; and a host of other relatives, former students, mentees and numerous friends.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 5-8 PM at Life Center Church, 63 E. Kennedy Boulevard, Eatonville. A service of celebration will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026, 12:00 Noon at First Baptist Church of Orlando, 3000 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando with Bishop Cornell King, officiating. Interment: Eatonville Memorial Gardens, Eatonville.
20 Comments
I miss you so much already pops! 🥺🥹😢😭
A amazing friend I’m truly gone miss him and his words of comfort rip Eddie
Rest now
Good and faithful servant
Condolences and prayers
My friend and brother for over 40 years….so thankful for you Eddie🙏🏼
Mayor Coles and I were seniors in high school and fellow buckeyes when we became acquainted with one another. May he rest with the Angels until we rise again.
My deepest sympathy 🙏🏾
Good man, very welcoming personality and had the ability to communicate with anyone and everyone. I was extremely lucky to have known him and got to spend a couple of weeks around Eddie every summer. My deepest condolences to the family.
Your support meant the world. Your a blessing Eddie.
Our deepest condolences to the family of “Coach Eddie”. Such a class act and overall super person.
Mr.cole was a man who guided,inspired and cared for kids & famiies throughout the community.He played a profound role in me & my kids lives bringing them closer to god, keeping them safe and exposing them to diffrent opportunities life has to offer.He was truly a great man and will be missed dearly
Eddie was a most kind and thoughtful neighbor! The world has lost a mighty fine human!
Eddie cole I will miss you my friend and I hope we meet again soon Eddie cole with love Eddie cole you was the best friend I ever had in the whole world and I love talking to you Eddie cole
My Brother, I’m broken but with hope. I’ll see you again. The last time that I saw you, you encouraged me in a great way. This right hear broke me but, I’m encouraged that this is not the end. My prayers now go to all of those that you have touched, which were many. I love you my brother.
You were my mentor, instrumental in my growth as a man and as a christian. I was one of your first members to Young Life when you came to Orlando and the old Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, now The Life Center Church. I am still in disbelief.
We are very sadden but with an deepest condolences and prayers As many are coming to respect a servant in Jesus Christ.
Its definitely not a final goodbye it just a blessing to continuously model servanthood to many families around the world today.
Oftentimes, we dont understand when God take his earthy vessel away, somehow, we can be united in faith expressing our gratitude and praise to God for sharing love and countless mercy to help us along our lives in despairing moments. Family of Redeeming Light and Life Center mostly 1887 Fam! We will be forever in touch with his power on high. Cole’s Family we are here to help encourage one another. Let the name of God be blessed and we give thanks and praise to God
Rest easy my childhood friend from Canton Ohio. May your family find comfort in knowing you are now at pease..
Eddie Cole was a blessing to my son’s growing up was a blessing in there lives and have so many memories of him during the EKO days playing basketball in the gym on Friday night. Sending prayers to the family Patricia, Brian and Dominic Lett
Our deepest condolences to our Florida family and those that were touched by his presence. Uncle Eddie will forever be in our hearts!!! May God provide comfort and peace during this most difficult time. We will continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Love ~Teki
Mr. Eddie Cole was your name among my children, anytime they referred to you. You were always a positive influence and inspiration in their lives. I appreciate all that has been imparted in all the lives you have touched in so many arenas. You blessed me in professional ways as well-you trusting me was a major deal-I was honored by referrals you personally entrusted to me. Your heart was
Larger than life and I am grateful to God for allowing our paths to
Cross. On behalf of Nathaniel Kelly and our family we salute you, May God comfort your family as they journey in keeping your legacy alive.
Eddie Cole was a godsend for my brother & I growing up in Eatonville. I have never known anyone to have touch so many lives in such a positive way. He was a great father, a great friend & a great mentor. My condolences to his family, to all who knew & loved him. We love you Eddie & thank you for everything.
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