Hickory – Carmie Carlos Cook, 100 of Hickory went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his loved ones.
Born on December 28th, 1924, into humble circumstances in Cleveland County, NC, Carmie was the son of the late Summie Clarence and Minnie Costner Cook. Carmie graduated from Belwood High School in 1943. At the age of 18, he was drafted in the United States Army. As a private first class assigned to G Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, part of the 8th Infantry Division, he went ashore at Utah Beach, Normandy, and fought in France, Luxembourg, Belgium and Germany. In February 1945, he earned the Purple Heart for wounds he received while fighting in Stockheim, Germany.
Upon returning home from Europe, Carmie was employed with Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company as a truck driver where he worked for over 40 years, retiring as the trucking supervisor. After retirement He enjoyed working outdoors, farming, hunting and spending time with family. He was loved by his family and friends and will be dearly missed.
In July 2011, Carmie was chosen as Catawba County’s Veteran representative to be recognized at the North Carolina Veteran’s Park in Fayetteville.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Charlotte L. Cook; three brothers, Jamie, Alfred, and Earl. One sister, Ruth.
Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Gary Cook and wife, Jan; daughter, Vickie Rhoades; four grandchildren, Kerry Penley and wife, Kristan, Chris Penley and wife, Beth, Carmine Willis and husband, Jim, and Mandy Lomax and husband, Alan; eight great grandchildren, Kollen Robertson and husband, Matt, Raegan Willis, Cameron and Anna Kathryn Penley, Hunter and Grant Penley, Sydney and Davis Lomax; one great-great grandson, Fisher Carmie Robertson; his brother, Elbert “Eb” Cook, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Catawba Funeral Home on December 8th, 2025, at 2pm with Pastor Chris Huffman officiating. He will be laid to rest following the service at Catawba Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends at 1pm prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Rd, Newton, NC 28658 in Carmie’s name.
Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.
The Cook Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.
