Carlos H. Cook, Jr. passed from this life into God’s presence on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the age of 95. He was born in Mt. Olive and moved to Columbia in 1931 at the age of 2. He attended Columbia Public Schools. In high school he was a member of the varsity football team and tennis team. He was proud to serve as Staff Sargent in the US Air Forces Strategic Air Command with the 4th Division. During his time in the Air Force, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Mary Louise Portero. After his time in the Air Force, C.H. became a partner in Cook’s Garage and owner in 1958. He loved talking to and laughing with his customers until his retirement in 2000. He was also a Mason.
C.H. was a godly man with a strong faith and love for the Lord and his family. He put his commitment to God into action by serving as Deacon at First Baptist Church where he became Deacon Emeritus, teaching junior high boys in Sunday School, driving the Church bus for Youth trips, and supporting various programs in the Church. His wife and two children were the delight of his heart. Known for his caring spirit, he believed in helping those in need. He also loved water sports. Many summer weekends were spent with family and friends at Lake Columbia skiing and fishing. He taught many of the boys in his Sunday School class how to ski.
C.H. was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Mary Louise Cook; and his parents, Carlos H. Cook, Sr., and Lorena Miller Cook.
He is survived by his daughter, Toni Cook; his son, Carl Cook; his sister; Vera Louise Thurman of Lake Sherwood, MO; four grandchildren, Grace Cook, Crystal Ham (Ryan), L.J. Slocum (Melanie), and Dee Dee Slocum; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 5:00PM to 8:00PM and Friday, February 28, 2025, from 11:00AM to 1:00PM at Colonial Funeral Home in Columbia, MS. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 28, 2025, at 1:00PM in the funeral home chapel. Dr. Bryant Barnes will officiate, and burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery assisted by Trey Carley, Johnny Holbrook, Jason Ladner, Todd Watts, Dr. Tom Watts, and Chuck Whitehead serving as pallbearers with the First Baptist Church Senior Men’s Sunday School Class as honorary pallbearers.
