Joseph Kenneth Cook

Joseph Kenneth (Jody) Cook passed away on Monday, May 7, 2018, at the age of 83. After a youth spent largely outdoors and fishing with his brothers and friends, Jody joined the Navy in May of 1952 and served his country during the Korean War. He spent almost three years of his service in Japan. Upon his return, Jody met the love of his life, Charlotte, and together, they built their family on the foundation of that love. The couple resided in McCaysville, GA for their entire married life and Jody worked for more than 35 years for the Tennessee Copper Company and its subsequent ownership.

A devoted husband and father, Jody loved dancing with Charlotte – something he did very well, fly fishing and roaming the nearby mountains, traveling with family and friends, occasionally going gambling, and he enjoyed family gatherings over a good meal. Jody was an ever-present figure in the bleachers to cheer and applaud at ball games and marching band performances, graduations, and school plays. He loved little babies and playing board games with the kids. He was terrible at cussing, did laundry well, and adored blackberry cobbler. Jody was often quiet but could add great humor or depth to a discussion when he had something to say.

His children remember Jody as the best Daddy ever, with a natural athletic ability that allowed him to out-fish, out-roller-skate, out-bowl, out-swim, and out-run them all – even when he ran backward! He spent untold hours with his kids and grandkids teaching them to fish and love the outdoors. He loved the ocean and spent time with family enjoying the sand and surf.

Jody, son of John Anderson Cook and Pearl Miller Cook, was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Charlotte German Cook, and his sisters Joan Lanken and Jean Hyde. Jody is survived by his children, Karen McClure and her husband, Christy of Blue Ridge, GA, Cindy Gwaltney and her husband, Gary of San Antonio, TX, Kenny Cook and his wife, Ramona of Blue Ridge, GA, and Crystal Cook of Austin, TX. His seven grandchildren include Kris Hammond, Maggie Hudson, Colin Hammond, Keely Hammond, Alexis Mathis, Cassie McClure and Chloe Walker; great-grandchildren are Charlotte Lee, Anna and Desmond Hammond, and Hudson Weaver. He is also survived by his sisters, Sonja Greene of Powell, TN, Mary Ann Niermann of Stone Mountain, GA, and brothers Tommy Cook of McCaysville, GA, Johnny Clay Cook of Columbia, TN, and Doug Cook of Rutledge, GA. Jody loved each of them with his whole heart.

Entwined with those of family, some Jody's best memories were of Yellowstone National Park and the trips he made with his brothers, son, grandsons, and other family. In lieu of flowers, you may wish to consider a donation in Jody's memory to Yellowstone Forever. Donations may be sent to:

Yellowstone Forever
www.support.yellowstone.org and choose "Honor/Memorial Giving" to find instructions to make a donation in memory of Jody.

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday evening, May 10, 2018, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Finch Cochran Funeral Home, located at 1478 Blue Ridge Drive, McCaysville, GA. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, May 11, at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by a brief interment ceremony at Kingtown Baptist Church cemetery. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.