Roy Cook

Roy Thomas Cook, Sr., age 89, died in Loris, South Carolina on October 26, 2021. Roy was born in Durham on November 28, 1931 to the late Grace and Grover Cook. Roy was a man of faith and raised his family in churches within the communities where he lived. In his almost 90 years, Roy was a son, brother, husband, uncle, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, friend and neighbor to many. He will be missed by everyone whose life he has touched.

In 1950, Roy graduated from Lowes Grove High School in Durham. On May 18, 1951, Roy married Mildred Cornelia Compton. Mildred graduated from Watts School of Nursing as a Licensed Practical Nurse also in 1951. Roy and Mildred just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with family in Conway, South Carolina.

After marriage, Roy enlisted and served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. In September 2021, he received a quilt of valor from the Quilts of Valor Foundation to thank him for his service and sacrifice in serving our nation.

After military service, he worked at Triangle Electric Motor Company, Inc. in Durham building and repairing electric motors. Hercules, Inc., in the Research Triangle Park was his next career move. At Hercules, Inc., he supported research and development activities for carpet fibers. In 1978, while employed with Hercules, Inc., Roy was transferred to Covington, Georgia where he lived with his wife and family until 1994. He was a member of the Covington Lions Club during this time. In 1994, Roy and Mildred both retired from their careers and moved back to Roy’s family home in the Lowes Grove area in Durham. Roy and Mildred enjoyed 20 years of retirement in the Lowes Grove area reconnecting with their families and cherished friends from the past. During this time, Roy was a member of an old car club that traveled to Hershey, Pennsylvania for a yearly car show. Roy always brought back bags and tins of Hershey favorites for everyone. In 2014, Roy and Mildred made their final move to Conway, South Carolina to live with their daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Mark Boyd.

Starting in the 1970’s, Roy enjoyed camping with Mildred, his kids, grandkids and friends of the family, camping from Florida to Canada. A Myrtle Beach newspaper featured Roy & Mildred in an article celebrating 50 years in camping. Roy enjoyed making chili and supported many charities by donating his chili for sale. Roy’s love of all animals has been passed down to all of his kids.

Roy Thomas Cook, Sr. is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mildred Compton Cook; by sister Doris (Buck) Terry; by sister-in law, Helen Pendergrass; by brother-in-law Julius Compton; by daughters Sue (Tony) Watson, Marian (Luke) Dickerson, Cheryl (Dale) Stanley, Kim (Mark) Boyd; by sons Tommy (Debbie) Cook, David (Carmen) Cook; by grandkids Jimmy Watson, Jennifer (Matt) Rzeszut, Matt Cook, Kristin (Nick) Farrell, Melissa Bowen, Travis Hambrick, Tara Shiver, Grayson Cook, Emma Cook; by great-grandkids; by nieces and nephews; by his dog Mikey.

Roy Thomas Cook, Sr. was preceded in death by parents, Grace and Grover Cook; by sister Thelma (Dewey) Wright.

The Cook family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.