Mr. Ray Willard Shook

Ray Willard Shook “Pop Ray” died unexpectedly on Monday, March 15, 2010. He was born on November 16, 1927 in Hickory, North Carolina; he was the son of farmers, Jason Heber Shook and Zora Lanier Shook. Ray was a Korean War and Vietnam Conflict veteran, serving his country for 20 years, and later retiring from Richland County where he continued honing his amazing cooking skills. He is best known for his generosity and care for neighbors near and far, in partnership with his wife of 58 years, Regina Bauer Shook. He is honored by his family as a fearless protector, driven provider, cranky gardener, courageous sufferer, lifetime partner, comedian, and quiet hero. Because of Ray’s decision two years ago, to “join the Lord” he has given us the hope of seeing him beyond this earthly life.

SFC (Ret.) Shook is survived by his wife Regina; son, Rick, of Hopewell, Virginia; daughter, Kay and husband Chris of Columbia; grandchildren, Jennifer and Joshua Shook, along with their mother Janet Shook of Richmond, Virginia; grandchildren Andrew, Amy, and Anna Beth Cook of Columbia; siblings, Ruth Cook, Frances (Howard) Langley, Helen (Walter) Martin, Carroll (Betty) Shook of Hickory, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Claude, Gwyn, and Hugh Shook, Pearl Watts, Lena Fox, Rosa Shook, Clyda Fox, and Mary Gantt.

Our deep gratitude goes to Dr. James Herman and his staff for their professional and personal care.

The family will receive friends from 12p.m. until 2p.m. on Thursday, March 18, 2010 at Greenlawn Funeral Home with a graveside service and military honors to follow at 2p.m. in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be sent to St. Andrews Evangelical Church for Youth Mission Trips, 2609 Seminole Road, Columbia, SC 29210 in memory of Ray Willard Shook. On-line condolences may be sent to www.mem.com. The family has entrusted Greenlawn Funeral Home with the arrangements.