Raymond Benjamin Cook

Mr. Raymond Benjamin Cook, resident of Coweta County, passed away peacefully from his earthly home to the arms of his Lord and Savior on July 1, 2013. His Daughter Dale, who had cared for him for many years, was by his side. Due to an extended illness he was living at her home with her and Son-in-law Jerry Vosbury. Mr. Cook was a Christian by faith and exhibited his faith by the good works he did for so many during his 93 years of life. Mr. Cook was born January 1, 1920 to Charlie Heard Cook and Fannie Lee Williams Cook of Heard County. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by the love of his life his beloved Wife of 68 years, Sibyleen Counts Cook and his devoted Daughter Celon Kaye Cotter of LaGrange. Brothers, Ralph Cook of LaGrange, Delmas Cook of Newnan, Amos Cook, Jim Cook and Sister Imogene Turman all of Franklin. He is survived by his Daughters, Jessica Martin of West Point, Dale & (Jerry) Vosbury of Newnan and Son Winford and (Barbara) Cook also of Newnan. Mr. Cook was blessed with 9 Grandchildren, whom he dearly loved, 19 Great-grandchildren, one Great Great Granddaughter, one Sister Lois McCauley of California, Sister-in-Laws Jan Dill of Nauvoo, Alabama and Louise Cook of Franklin, Brother-in-law, Hammett and (Shirley Counts) of Mobile, Alabama and numerous Nieces, Nephews, cousins and friends. Mr. Cook worked in many occupations during his life. He was employed by the Dixie Cotton Mill immediately after his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army. He was a self taught man, having God given talent that was proven by his years of being an automobile mechanic, small appliance repairman, electrician, plumber, TV repairman and could repair any lawn mowers that were brought to him. He also worked for Bonnell Aluminum Company for 13 years and finally Franklin Aluminum until his retirement. Even after retirement he was never idle always finding work to do and ways to help others. He always told his Family if he ever sat down he may never get up again. He was known for his humble spirit and kind heart. He always told his Children he got his working hard from his Father and his tender feelings from his Mother. During his lifetime he was a dedicated son to his Parents and younger siblings. In an effort to help care for his Parents and those siblings joined the Civilian Conservation Corp organized by President Roosevelt to help with the jobless youth in our nation. For the two years he was a part of this organization he set power poles and built cabinets on Pine Mountain. The earnings he received he sent home to care for his Family. Mr. Cook was a person you could always count on when you were in need and the majority of the time he would not take a penny for his efforts. He was raised during the depression and knew what being without meant and never turned down the opportunity to help others. He and his Wife raised their children with the same ethics they had and consistently impressed upon his family the value of a good education seeing he had to leave school to work and support his parents. He was an honest hard working man all his life and his family knew the many sacrifices he made through the years of their raising and beyond. Mr. Cook enlisted in the U.S. Army immediately after his two year completion in the Civilian Conservation Corp. He was a decorated Corporal T5 with the US Army having served 4 years during WWII with 38 months being in the Pacific campaign. He was a member of the 158th Regimental Combat Team known as the “Bushmasters.” His regiment was hand selected by General Douglas Macarthur for their reputation and jungle warfare fighting abilities. Mr. Cook was a gunner skilled in the use of the 81MM mortar having earned three bronze battle stars and the following ribbons, American Theater, Asiatic Pacific, American Defense and the Good Conduct ribbon. He also received the combat infantry badge and six overseas bars. His family would like to thank Granddaughter-in-law Joanna Turner for all the love and care given to him in the last year and half and Grandson Chris Turner for his devoted and loving care the last week. The staff of Amedisys for the excellent care he was given his last few months and his dedicated Nurse Michelle, who treated him as her own. Our gratitude to Bro. Dan Odom and the members of WRBC for all the prayers and loved shown to him during his most difficult last months. The family will receive friends on Saturday July 6, 2013 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at McKoon Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 1:00 PM in the chapel of McKoon Funeral Home with Rev. James Calhoun and Pastor Dan Odom officiating. Music will be performed by granddaughter-in-law Bonnie Edwards and her father W.L. Gillenwaters. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Park following the service at which time military funeral honors will be presented to the family. Pallbearers will be his Grandsons, Great-grandson and Nephew William Cook. McKoon Funeral Home 38 Jackson St. Newnwn Ga 770-253-4580

Raymond Benjamin Cook

January 1, 1920 - July 1, 2013