Charles Porter Cook

He was a son of the late Charles William and Jessie Lance Cook. He was also preceded in death by a son, Ronald Eugene Cook and sisters, Lola Cook and Gladys Lessard.

Mr. Cook was employed for many years by Norfolk Southern Railway, retiring in 1989 and was a US Navy veteran of World War II.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Blankenship Cook of the home; son, Charles Thomas Cook and wife, Cathy; one grandson, Stacey Eugene Cook and two granddaughters, April Cook Hawkins and husband Tony, and Kimberly Cook Hipps and husband, Mike, all of Asheville; two great-grandsons, Branson Michael Hipps and Joshua Anthony Hawkins, who brought much love and happiness; one brother, Doyle Cook and wife, Louise of Asheville; three sisters, Shirley Parker and husband, Joe of Jacksonville, TX, Ruth Greene and Myrtle Waldroup, both of Asheville; our nephew, James ''Kevin'' Hamlin, whom we raised as our son, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be greatly missed by all.

A graveside service will be conducted Sunday, September 23 at 2:00 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with Reverend Michael Rumbough of Mt. Pleasant, SC officiating.

Mr. Cook's family will receive friends from 7 until 8:30 pm Saturday at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road.

The family wishes to thank Mountain Area Hospice for their support, kindness and care.

Memorials are encouraged to be sent to Mountain Area Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813, or flowers are acceptable and appreciated.