Donnie "Paw Paw" Earl Cook

Mr. Donnie “Paw Paw” Earl Cook, age 71 of China Grove, passed away suddenly as the result of a motor vehicle accident on Thursday, April 22, 2021 in Stanly County. Born September 17, 1949 in Cabarrus County, Donnie was the son of the late Brady Clarence Cook and Margaret Hileman Cook. Donnie was a member of Mt. Mitchell Methodist Church in Kannapolis.

After graduating high school, Donnie proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force earning the rank of Sargent and then continued his service with the North Carolina Air National Guard, serving a total of 35 years with both. After his service, Donnie spent his career working in maintenance in the aviation industry. More recently, at the Stanly County Airport. He was one of the kindest, most humble, selfless and caring people you would ever meet. Donnie had a servant’s heart and would do anything, for anyone, anytime. He was a generous friend, a truly loving and devoted husband to his precious wife, Billie Ann and a true family man. Donnie was a Master Mason and belonged to the Freemason at the Cannon Memorial Lodge for over 25 years. He was also involved with the Cabarrus Shriners Club Fraternal Organization. Donnie was such a well thought of gentleman that a building at the Stanly County Airport – Air National Guard was named in his honor. It reads…..”Paw Paw” Cook, what a legacy to leave behind.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Billie Ann; his step-sons, James Allen Hunter, Jr. (Donna) and Darrell Eugene Hunter (Angie). He also leaves behind his two brothers, Clarence Cook and Bernard Cook and sister, Mildred Cook. Also surviving him are his grandchildren, Miles Allen Hunter, Chase Erin Hunter, Daniel Thomas Condrey and Traci Condrey Carlson along with five great-grandchildren.

Donnie will Lie in State from 3:00 – 7:00pm on May 4, 2021 at Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home in China Grove with the family receiving of friends from 5:00 – 7:00pm. Funeral Service will follow in the Chapel at 7:00pm. Graveside Service with Full Military Honors will take place at 11:00am on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Salisbury National Cemetery. The family has requested you kindly remember Donnie with memorials in his honor to the Shriners Hospital for Children at www.shrinershospitalforchildren.org. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.linn-honeycutt.com. Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mr. “Paw Paw” Cook.