Tyrone Atkins Cook

Tyrone Atkins Cook was born on February 17, 1944 to Rita Montero Atkins and Joseph Atkins of Ormond Beach Florida. Tyrone received his early education in the Duval county school system, graduating from Matthew W. Gilbert high School in 1962 where he served on the football and baseball team. Tyrone entered the United States Army where he was a helicopter machine gunner and fought in the Vietnam war. He received many awards as a result of his service, was very patriotic, and loved all branches of the military.

While serving his country, he met Janice (his wife to be) as a pen pal during his deployment in Hawaii. Tyrone accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1979, under the direction of Pastor Jeannette C. Holmes, where he would go on to minister in the Hope Chapel praise ensemble, the male chorus, the Hope Chapel Mass Choir, and served as the leader of the beautification committee.

He was employed at the Anheuser-Busch brewery for many years until his retirement. Back in the day he was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Redskins fan; however when Jacksonville acquired their own football team, he became an excited Jaguars fan. He also loved to barbecue and he cooked the best smoked grilled mouth watering ribs on this side of the Mississippi.

Tyrone leaves to cherish his memories a loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Janice Dianne Cook, daughters Kamel and Kimberly Cook, sons Tyrone and Dominic Cook, grandchildren Brauhn Smith, Royale C. Smith, Sr. , Marcus Williams, and Kishon Campbell, great grandchild Royale C. Smith Jr., sisters Margaret Watson and Brenda Barnes, a devoted cousin Thomas Cook (Annie Mae), best friend Wiley LaBoo, and a host of cousins, relative, and friends.

A visitation for Tyrone will be held Monday, July 1, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32205. A celebration of life will occur Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Hope Chapel Christian Assembly, 9850 Wagner Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32219. A graveside will occur Tuesday, July 2, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218.