Charles William Cook

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Charles William Cook, formerly of Vidalia, GA, on September 1, 2024. He peacefully departed from this world at Linley Park Post-Acute Facility in Anderson, SC, after an extended illness.

Born on September 25, 1943, in Asheville, North Carolina, to Charles Virgil Cook and Christine Higdon Cook. Charles was a remarkable individual who led a fulfilling life. After graduating from Asheville High School in 1961, he enlisted in the Navy, served as a Navy Corpsman for two years, and was attached to the Ninth Marine Division in Vietnam in 1964 and 1965. After his discharge from the Navy, Charles continued his education at Asheville-Biltmore College, graduating with a B. A. Degree in History in 1967. He was employed as an insurance claims adjuster assigned to territories in New York City, NY, Nashville, TN, and Greenville, SC, before moving to Atlanta, GA, in 1970 to work for Allstate Insurance. At a training class for Allstate claims adjusters, Charles met Sheryl Ann Thompson. They married in 1970 and had two daughters, Christiana Kathleen and Sheri Carolyn. Charles attended Woodrow Wilson College of Law while working as a claims adjuster and later supervisor for Allstate. He received his Juris Doctor Degree in 1974 and was admitted to practice later that year. He and his family moved to Vidalia, GA in 1975 where Charles served for four years as Chief Assistant District Attorney of the Middle Judicial Circuit of Georgia and then started a private law practice in 1980, specializing in personal injury law. Charles represented plaintiffs with a passionate commitment to justice and the law for thirty-four years before he retired and closed his practice in 2014. Following his retirement, he lived a brief time in Tulsa, OK, near his older daughter. In 2017, he and his wife, Letty, moved to Greenville, SC. While in Vidalia, he was a member of Kiwanis and the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation. He was baptized at Riverview Baptist Church in Bixby, OK, in 2015.

Charles William Cook is preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Joy Cook Crook.

Charles is survived by his devoted spouse of eight years, Darletta Mae “Letty” Cook; daughter Kathleen Cook Wise and her husband Mike of Broken Arrow, OK, and daughter Sheri Carolyn Cook Short and her husband Mike of Spearfish, SD. He also leaves behind his sister, Lisa Cook Ballard of Travelers Rest, SC; five grandchildren, Evan Charles Roles, Lindsey Joy Wise, George Houston Roles, Preston Wayne Wise, and Ariana Jean Short; and several surviving relatives who will deeply miss him.

In reflecting upon his life, we remember Charles William Cook for his love of history, the law, his country, and his Christian faith. His legacy will forever be etched in our hearts.

A private graveside service to honor and celebrate the life of Charles William Cook will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024 at Green Hills Cemetery in Asheville, North Carolina.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have shown their love, support, and condolences during this time of bereavement. Your thoughts and kind words have provided us with solace and strength.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.