EATONVILLE, Fla. — Former Eatonville Mayor Eddie Cole has died at the age of 66.
A town spokesperson confirmed Cole passed away Saturday morning at his home.
Cole served as mayor from 2016 through 2022.
A statement from the town on Facebook said Cole’s “legacy of service, compassion, and commitment to progress will forever be etched in the heart of Eatonville. We honor his life, leadership, and the indelible impact he made on generations past, present, and future.”
Cole was also an assistant women’s basketball coach at Rollins College, a position he held for over 36 years.
According to the college, he and head coach Glenn Wilkes Jr. combined for over 700 wins with the team. Cole was elected to the Rollins Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.
In a statement on Instagram, the college said: “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. The Central Florida community has lost a tremendous leader and an amazing man. Rest in peace, Eddie.”