Rev. Clyde Thomas Cook

Rev. Clyde Thomas Cook, age 84, died peacefully on July 26, 2023 surrounded by the love of his family. He was the devoted husband to Constance (Connie) Cook for 64 years. Their home is at River Landing at Sandy Ridge Retirement Community in Colfax, NC.

Clyde was born in Houston, TX on May 7, 1939, the son of James and Lena Maye Cook. He received his BA in Religion and Sociology from Baylor University and his Master of Divinity from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. In his younger years he worked for the Boy Scouts of America, Baptist Children’s Home and as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. He also served as the Director of Youth and Recreation Ministries for First Presbyterian Church of Houston.

After he was ordained in 1973, he served as a minister in various capacities for over 30 years. He was a Pastor at Ormond Beach Presbyterian (FL), First Presbyterian of Greensboro (NC), and Fox Chapel Presbyterian (Pittsburgh, PA). He was Interim Pastor at First Presbyterian of Kinston (NC), First Presbyterian of Franklin (NC), Rocky River Presbyterian (Concord, NC), and the Stated Supply Minster at Love Valley Presbyterian (NC).

Becoming a minister was a calling that Clyde took to heart. Some of his ministerial goals were to provide pastoral care for everyone, no matter their age; to help people develop a positive God-trusting attitude, and to help churches to thrive. He was an easy person to know and created lasting friendships. He had a passion for Christian education, community outreach/mission, and world mission, and encouraged others to join in. He was a friend and teacher to the youth – always there for them – a leader and a role model. Clyde infused worship with a human genuineness, allowing everyone to feel a real part of the service. He loved directing church musicals and entertaining people of all ages as Dr. Lovejoy the clown. His “happy place” was fishing at a lake or pond with his worms and lures ready to catch the big one. For the past several years it brought Clyde great joy to play his one-of-a-kind “gut bucket” in the River Landing Band.

In addition to his parents, Clyde is preceded in death by older brother Dr. James Cook, Jr., and twin brother Claude Cook.

Clyde is survived by his wife Connie Cook and their children Cindy Cook Ballaro (grandson Matthew Ballaro and wife Katie Ballaro and great-grandson Ernie Ballaro); Chris Cook (wife Karen Cook and grandson Tyler Cook); Sister-in-law Carol Cook, and her children and grandchildren.

A celebration of Clyde’s life will be held at 2:30pm on Sunday, August 6 at First Presbyterian Church, located at 617 N. Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401. The service will be followed by a reception at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the Cook family requests that you consider a memorial contribution to any of the following: Hospice of the Piedmont, or Brightspire Foundation - River Landing at Sandy Ridge Employee Scholarship Assistance campaign.

The family wishes to thank Clyde’s amazing healthcare team from Hospice of the Piedmont, River Landing Healthcare staff, and Oncologist Dr. Peter Ennever and staff for his exceptional compassionate care.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com for the Cook family.