Ernest "Troy" Cook IV

Troy is survived by his parents, Ernest “Skip” Cook III of Charleston, SC and Vanessa Merritt of Columbus, GA; his sons, Henry Troy, Liam Oliver, and Finnegan Shay; his sisters, Miranda Jessamyn Green of Charleston, SC and Fiona Eileen Merritt Hutchinson of Charleston, SC; his grandmother, Sarah Ida Cook of Charleston, SC; his 5 cousins, Sean, Clark, Edward, Sarah, and Michael; his niece, Ella; and 3 nephews, Isaac, Rowen, and Avery. He is predeceased by his grandfathers, Ernest Troy Cook Jr. of Charleston, SC and Leonard Merritt of Quitman, GA; his grandmother, Ella (Otto) Merritt of Charleston, SC; his aunt, Leonardine Moore of Columbus, GA; and his cousin, Clinton Hurst of Columbus, GA.

Troy was born in Charleston on January 5, 1991 to Ernest Troy Cook III and Vanessa Rae Merritt. He previously attended Stono Park Elementary, CE Williams Middle School, West Ashley High School, and Wando High School, where he graduated in 2009. In October of 2013, March of 2016, and January of 2022 respectively, he welcomed his three beloved sons; Henry, Liam, and Finnegan.

Troy's biggest passion in life was music. At a young age, his parents instilled an appreciation for music into him and his sisters by playing it all hours of the day. His father began taking him to see live music acts early on in his childhood, which were memories he cherished and considered a fundamental part of who he was as a man. The moments he looked forward to the most in life were the times he shared going to see live acts with his parents and sisters, and one day being able to bring that same joy to his sons, niece, and nephews. Troy himself was a skilled musician and songwriter. While he primarily played guitar, he was also fluent in the piano, viola, banjo, mandolin, and harmonica. He spread his obsession with music to everyone who knew him, giving his loved ones memories through songs that will last for the rest of their lives. Troy was also a skilled cook, who worked at many popular Charleston establishments, including Edmund's Oast, The Junction, Southbound, Smoky Oak Taproom, and Duke's BBQ. He was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves, another thing inherited from his father. Troy was immensely proud of his Charleston heritage, especially his West Ashley upbringing. He was deeply beloved by anyone who met him and will be missed by his family and friends.

If you would like to be included in the celebration of life, please reach out to Troy's sisters at ‪(843) 580-6034‬.