Byron Cook

Byron was born on December 20, 1930, in Decatur, Georgia, to Iva Parker Cook and Theron Clarke Cook, and grew up in the Covington area. As an adult, he proudly served his country during the Korean War as a Private 1st Class, working as a cook from 1951 to 1953.

A longtime member of the Panthersville Masonic Lodge, Byron achieved the distinction of being a Master Mason for over 50 years of service, contributing to his community through various outreach efforts, including pancake breakfasts. In his professional life, Byron worked for more than 40 years with Mathis Dairy in the milk delivery service, a job that led him to meet the love of his life, Marian Parker. Later, he joined his extended family at Parker and Son Screen & Glass Inc., where he continued to work diligently.

Byron was known by friends and family for his culinary skills. He was particularly famous for his brunswick stew, which became a staple at every family gathering. But beyond his cooking, he was not known to sit still long and was always working on something, spending hours working in the yard on his multitude of plants or some other project. He thoroughly enjoyed “fleaing" at local markets with Marian and his family. Byron was also renowned for his card playing mastery and accumulated not only monetary winnings but quite often some extraordinary items like a squirrel monkey named Oscar. He took game playing very seriously. His grandchildren and great grandchildren knew from a very young age that Papa was always ready for a game of cards or a board game and was still playing even a week before his passing at the age of 95.

Byron was also a devoted animal lover, often indulging his pets with ice creams acquired at the drive-through window and specially bought baby pools just for them. In his later years, he found particular joy in his great-grandchildren, whose laughter and company brought him immense happiness, even as his health slowed. He couldn’t say their names but had lots of “dogies” who loved him.

Byron “Papa” Cook was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marian Parker Cook, his parents Iva Parker Cook and Theron Clarke Cook, and his brother Lamar “Floppy” Cook. He leaves his legacy to be cherished by his children H.L “Rusty” Cook and his wife Cindy of Houston, AL and Scott Cook and his wife Courtney of Monroe, GA. Also, his grandchildren Rebecca Young and husband Jonathan of Birmingham, AL, Drew Cook and wife Leslie of Charlotte, NC, Parker Cook and wife Caitlyn of Monroe, GA, Molly Cook and husband Jon of Huntsville, AL, and Victoria Boatright and husband James of Monroe, GA. His adored great grandchildren include Jack and AnnMackay Young, Logan and Ryleigh Cook and Scarlett and Rhiannon Boatright. His memory will also live in the hearts of his In-Laws Sandra Ward and husband Charles, and Peggy Morley and countless extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Horace Ward Funeral Home in Fairview, GA, on Friday, March 6, with visitation from 10:00 AM and a service to follow at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Red Cross at www.redcross.org.