Troy “Bart” Cole, 61, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, April 11, 2021 at Mission Hospital following an extended heart related illness. He was the eleventh patient to receive a LVAD heart pump at Mission Hospital. He was born to the late Denver and Daisy Buckner Cole. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Pamela Shamblin; brothers-in-law, Jerry Shamblin and Jay Blankenship and niece, Tamara Webb.

He is survived by girlfriend Connie Lynn Sherlin; son, Matthew Freeman; daughters, Molly Cole and Malorie Cole; grandchildren, Bly Anders, Brayden Anders and Maria Cole; sisters, Janis Blankenship and Lana Webb (James).

Bart was known for his love of storytelling and music. He was a former firefighter with Asheville and Weaverville Fire Departments.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM Saturday, April 17, 2021 at Barnardsville Free Will Baptist Church. Rev. Steve Brockwell will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

The family would like to give a very, special thank you to all of the Mission Hospital LVAD doctors, nurses, and caregivers whom he loved dearly.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.