William "Bill" Harold Cook Sr.

William “Bill” Harold Cook, Sr. 62, of Palm Valley passed away July 21, 2010, surrounded by his loving family. Born April 29, 1948 in Chester, South Carolina, Bill moved to the Jacksonville area in 1959. He was an active member of Beaches United Methodist Church of Jacksonville Beach. Bill was the parts manager at Woolverton Oldsmobile of Jacksonville for 35 years before becoming the parts manager with Premier Cadillac (formerly Parker Cadillac) of St. Augustine for the past eight years. Bill was awarded the General Motors Recognition of All Time Total Parts Sales as well as the Society of Parts Professional’s Outstanding Management Performance during his many years of service.

Bill’s first love was his wife and lifetime partner, Judy; his beloved son, Bill, who brought him endless hours of joy and pride throughout the years on and off the playing field; the light of his life, his grandson, Kane; his Florida brothers and their mutual admiration society for one another, Connors and Bob; his passion for NASCAR, and racing around the famed Daytona Speedway and other tracks. Bill was a beloved baseball coach at Arlington Little League with his closest friend, Dick Carlow, and basketball coach for the Arlington YMCA for 12 years. Bill was always the life of the party, and could really “get down” on the dance floor. Bill held a very special place in his heart for children throughout his life, and they loved him in return-young and old.

Survivors include his loving wife of 40 years, Judy Cook of Palm Valley; son, William “Bill” Harold Cook, Jr. and his wife, Barbara, grandson, William Kane Cook, III of Jacksonville Beach; mother, Dorothy Cook of Sharon, South Carolina; brother, George Cook and wife, Faye of Sharon, South Carolina; sister in law, Diane Cullen(Bob); brother in law, Bill Connors (Kim); nieces Britt(Kendall), Briana, and Cherie; nephews, Ryan (Mary), Ross, and great niece, Riley; little goddaughter, Ava whose daddy, Brian Romanello, was one of Bill’s “adopted” sons. Bill will live in the hearts of his family and friends forever. Bill was preceded in death by his father, Floyd Harold Cook.

The Cook family wants to thank Bill’s oncologist, Dr. George Kim, the entire medical and nursing staff at the Mayo Clinic/Hospital for the care and support during Bill’s illness.

A celebration of life service will be held 10:00 A.M., Saturday, July 31, 2010 at Beaches United Methodist Church, 325 7th Avenue North, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully request donations be made to the Boys’ Home Association, 2354 University Boulevard North, Jacksonville, Florida 32211. Words of comfort may be left at www.Hardage-Giddensbeacheschapel.com. Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS BEACHES CHAPEL, Jacksonville Beach. (904) 249-2374