Louis Wayne Cooke

Mr. Louis Wayne Cooke, 68, of Mount Airy, died Thursday, January 14, 2021, at Baptist Hospital.  He was born July 26, 1952, in Surry County, to the late Herbert Van and Mary Frances Gwyn Cooke.  He is survived by his wife, Mary Emily Yokley Cooke; two daughters, Sonnie Christine Hardy (Stan) of Mount Airy and Stacy Marie Smith (Korey) of Traveler’s Rest, SC; three grandchildren, Zane Hardy, Sophie Smith, and Porter Smith; two brothers, Gwyn Cooke (Kay) of Greensboro and Rodney Cooke (Natalie) of Mount Airy; a nephew, Van Cooke (Jennifer); a niece, Lisa Cooke (fiancé, Robbie Galyean); a special sister-in-law, Laura B. Yokley; and many, beloved cousins and extended family.  We want to thank the many medical professionals who have provided not only care, but love and affection, especially the staff and Dr. Yacoub at WFBH in Mount Airy, as well as a special friend, Dr. Richard McQuellan, who was instrumental in helping him understand his journey.  Wayne was a kind and gentle man and exceptionally devoted to his family.  He had a special bond with his daughters and considered their husbands his own sons in every way.  His grandchildren will have many, loving memories of the special things he did with each one from camping to movies after school to just talking about life and being together.  Wayne loved God and exemplified that through his every action and as a Master Mason.  He enjoyed life.  He and his wife and dogs traveled the country making many, long-lasting friendships in both the US and Canada, yet he loved nothing more than sitting on his back porch looking over the mountains, watching the birds, and visiting with family and his friends.  He was courageous and open in facing his ten-year struggle with cancer, never complaining but only counting his blessings for the love and support of his family and many friends.  Wayne began his career with Surry County Emergency Services in 1979, where he developed life-long friendships and was well respected in Surry County, as well as at the state level.  Throughout his career, he served as a paramedic, in service management, and Human Resources Manager.  He was well respected by the employees as a person who always had the employees’ best interest in mind.  As a paramedic, Wayne was recognized with numerous lives saved.  He was promoted to Shift Supervisor in November 1989, and then focused his attention to the operational aspect of the service by being promoted to Assistant Emergency Services Director in 2003, where he would serve in this role until his retirement in July 2007.  There were many advancements within the service Wayne was credited for.  There will be no services at this time.  Wayne was adamant that people protect their own and other’s health.  A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.  If so inclined, contributions may be made in his memory to any local food bank or The Shepherd’s House, 227 Rockford Street, Mount Airy, NC  27030.  Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the Cooke family.