Mr. Joseph Franklin "Joe" Cook

Mr. Joseph Franklin "Joe" Cook, age 90, of Mt. Airy, passed away at Central Continuing Care on September 6, 2006. Mr. Cook was born in Surry County, August 15, 1916 to the late Caleb Franklin and Ida Elizabeth Haymore Cook. He was a graduate of Flat Rock High School and attended Draughon's Business College in Winston Salem, NC. While in Winston Salem after classes, he would walk over to the warehouses and watch the sales, beginning a lifelong love of the tobacco business. He was a retired tobacconist, having managed warehouses in Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina. He was a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church. Mr. Cook was an Army Veteran, having served from 1941-1945 in the D Day Battle at Omaha Beach and also major conflicts in France and Belgium. He was a 32nd Degree Mason of Ararat Lodge # 558; a member of the Yorkrites; Oasis Shriners and the local veterans organization, the Battle of the Bulge. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Evon Cook of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Dr. Patricia Cook and husband Dr. Alan Schwemlein of Cincinnati, OH, Cynthia Cook Jones and husband Jimmy Jones of Pinnacle; five grandsons, Jason Jones and wife Leigh Ann of Greensboro, NC, Jordan Jones of High Point, James Schwemlein, a student at Elon University, Jacob Schwemlein of Cincinnati, OH, and Justin White, a student at Appalachian State University. Mr. Cook is also survived by two sisters, Ethel Flippen of Blacksburg, VA and Foy Smith and husband Roland of Pilot Mountain. In addition to his parents, Mr. Cook was preceded in death by two sisters, Percy Hundley and Kate Key Francis and a brother, Dillard Cook. A very special thanks goes out to Thurmond Joyner for his never failing attention over the last several years and especially to everyone at Central Continuing Care for their care and consideration during his stay. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 2:00 PM at Holly Springs Baptist Church by Rev. Lanny Atkins officiating, with burial to follow at Skyline Memory Gardens with full Military rites conducted by VFW Memorial Honor Guard Post 2019 of Mt. Airy and Post 9436 of Pilot Mountain and full Masonic burial rites conducted by Ararat Masonic Lodge #558 AF & AM. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 PM until the time of the service and at other times at their home at 147 Fluffy Lane, Mount Airy, N.C. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Holly Springs Baptist Church Building Fund, 374 Holly Springs Rd, Mt. Airy, NC 27030. Online condolences may be at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.