Douglas Monroe Cook, Jr.

Douglas Monroe Cook, Jr., 81, of Riegelwood, N.C., died Wednesday, December 17, 2014, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCare Center. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that he touched in some special way throughout his life. Douglas was born on April 5, 1933 in Brunswick County, N.C., the son of the late Douglas M. and Carolyn Robbins Cook. He was preceded in death by his son, Douglas Monroe Cook, III, and his sister, Carolyn Faye Cook. Douglas retired after more than 40 years of distinguished service in the forest products industry, having begun his career with the construction of Riegel Paper Corporation's pulp and paper mill (now International Paper) in Riegelwood, N.C. In his youth, and prior to beginning his career in the forest products industry, he was an excellent athlete with a penchant for baseball. Douglas was a Master Mason with membership at Waccamaw Lodge 596. He also was a longtime active member of Riegelwood Baptist Church who enjoyed fishing, golfing and spending time with family and friends. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 63 years, Betty Ann Myers Cook; daughters Cynthia Cook Frank, and Michelle Cook Vaught (Chuck); grandson, Zachary T. Frank; brother, Glyn Cook; and numerous other loving family members and friends. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, December 22, 2014, at Riegelwood Baptist Church with Rev. John Porter and Rev. Larry Knowles officiating. Interment will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, December 21, 2014 at Andrews Mortuary, Market Street Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCare Center, 1406 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, N.C. 28401, or the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College Street, Oxford, N.C. 27565. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to their friends and neighbors for all of the thoughtful deeds, visits and support during Douglas' illness.