Gary Austin Cole

gary cole

September 18, 1950 ~ November 27, 2014


Resided in: Fletcher, NC

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Gary Ed Austin Cole, 64, of Midway, TN and Fletcher, NC went home to be with Jesus on November 27, 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall N. Cole and Mary M. Cole of Black Mountain, NC. He leaves behind to carry on his legacy his wife and soulmate of 40 years, Gloria B. Cole and five beautiful, amazing children, Matthew Cole and his wife, Carly of Asheville, NC, Mark Cole and his wife, Tessa of Tulsa, OK, Mandi and David Franks of Charlotte, NC, Noelle Cole of Columbia, SC and Joseph Cole of Arden, NC. He is also survived by a granddaughter, Amanda Franks, grandson, Caleb Cole and soon to arrive grandson, Samuel Cole, who were the pride of his life. Gary will also be missed and was greatly loved by a surviving mother-in-law, Geraldine Ballard; brother-in-law, Bill Ballard and his wife, Cathy of Beaufort, SC; sister-in-law, Renee Turner and many special nieces and nephews. Gary was a 1968 graduate of Owen High School, attended Montreat Anderson College and A-B Tech. He was retired from the lumber industry and loved nothing more than watching his granddaughter, Amanda and grandson, Caleb play sports. Gary attended Biltmore Church of God for many years and was involved in youth ministry there. He was an accomplished Eagle Scout with a God given servant's spirit. His open heart and open door knew no friends, all were family. He became a second father to many and showed unconditional love to all. We will cherish our memories of Gary as a man who loved God and family foremost, an avid dog lover, especially to Blossom, (his constant companion), NASCAR fan and friend to all. A celebration of his life will be held at Biltmore Church of God on 1390 Sweeten Creek Road in Asheville on Monday, December 1, 2014 at 2:00 pm with visitation from 12:30 to 1:45 pm at the Church. Interment will follow at Calvary Episcopal Churchyard in Fletcher. In lieu of flowers, donations to help with his funeral expenses may be made in his honor to Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian, 72 Long Shoals Road, Arden, NC 28704. Psalms 18:10, The name of Yahweh is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and they are safe.

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  1. This is a wonderful tribute to a true gentleman. Gary was such a down-to-earth family man who always had a kind word, funny story or bit of wisdom to share. We are sad to realize that Caleb, the grandson that we shared and cheered for on the ball field together, no longer will have the companionship or mentoring from his ‘poppy’ but Caleb will always remember and carry Gary with him in his heart. ‘Heaven Is For Real’, and someday soon there will be a great reunion day for those of us who believe in and trust that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior just as Gary did. Our heartfelt sympathies to your family. – Carl and Melissa

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  2. Noelle is a great friend of mine and I am so sorry she has lost her first love, but I am sure her Daddy is smiling down on her and will be her heavenly Angel her whole life through…may the peace of God watch over this family. Sincerely Judy Corley

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  4. He is an amazing Uncle and always treated myself and 2 brothers like his own. He also treated my daughter the very same. He had a twinkle in his eye when I saw him last and he spoke such kind words to me about the recent passing of my own mother. He said to me’ Tara, she is here with you now through the Lords spirit’. Little did I know that in less than 3 weeks he too would get his very own set of wings. I have many fond memories of him, but one I will never forget is swimming in the back of that brown El Camino full of bubbles! I love each and everyone of you….. Gloria, Mandi, David, Amanda, Matt, Carly, Caleb, Samuel, Noelle, Joe, Mark and Tessa. We are lifting you each up in prayers daily!

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  6. Please accept our sincere condolences. A-B Tech Alumni Services of the College
    Advancement Office grieves with you for the loss of Gary Austin Cole.

    Our special thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

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  7. Matt, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if you need anything at all.

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  9. TO THE COLE FAMILY – MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND LOVE IS EXTENDED TO EACH OF YOU DURING THIS TIME OF GRIEF. IT WAS HEARTWARMING WHEN I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM GARY A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO REGARDING HIS PLAN FOR THE BALLARD SEAFOOD HOUSE LEGACY. HOPEFULLY HIS PLAN CAN BE COMPLETED IN TIME. HE WAS ON A GREAT MISSION.

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  10. I met Gary 3 years ago and he melted my heart. He was such a loving and caring man. I was so glad to be able to spend many times with him and enjoy his company. He was such a blessing and will be missed terribly. We always kept in touch with text or phone call and I will miss being able to pick up the phone and send him a message. My heart has Lost a piece of it with his passing.

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  11. My sincere condolences to the family. Many pray for God’s kingdom to be established on the earth. At Daniel 2:44, we’re told that God’s kingdom will end all human rulership on the earth and bring about peace forever. I’d like to give you a glimpse of what it will be like to have the earth ruled by God’s son, Christ Jesus.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?…

    Can you see yourself and your loved one there? Browse jw.org for more information about God’s purposes and his son’s love for us and the thrilling life we can look forward to with the loving Father, Jehovah God (Yahweh), and his son Christ Jesus as our providers and caretakers.

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  12. I knew Gary from Teen Dems. He was part of the statewide leadership group during our high school years. We had wonderful times together at Democratic Party rallies. So many happy memories of Gary, Two, Rick and the rest of the Buncombe County club (wild and crazy guys) as well as Mama and Daddy Cole (and their big mountain cats) who took us
    in when we visited Black Mountain. A loyal friend and a great guy with PERSONALITY, he could always make me laugh. R – R – R – S. So sad to see him go. Rest in peace, Gary. R – R – R – S. Jane Curtis, Graham, NC. Jcurtis@bestweb.net

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