It is so quiet here now. Bill and Dave talked every morning, during the day and night. It seems so odd not to have “duo” wake up call and good night call. Bill was always there for an answer when we needed to know how to do something. 
He cheered us up when it was a bad day. We loved playing back and forth with him and think he enjoyed it too. Miss him more than words can express. 
Gail, we love you and are here for you.

My condolences to Gail and family ,  he was a customer and a
Friend whom had lot of wisdom
And plenty of jokes 

I was packing for an out-of-town trip when I got the call from Ron Robinson that Bill ("Billy" as he was known to me or simply "Cooke") had passed away.  I was in shock--and still am---because Bill was one of those guys who seemed larger than life.  Ronnie, Billy, and I were inseparable during our high school years at Broughton.  There is not enough space here to describe our fun and mischief during those years, and much of that mischief is best kept to ourselves.   Growing up as teenagers, the three of us spend countless hours at late-night gatherings at his father's barber shop just talking the night away.   Bill was always the creative one in our trio, and we laughed hysterically at most of our adventures and pranks.  Some of them were downright scary as we think back on them!  "Ronnie and Billy" were the closest thing I had to brothers.  As we got older--married with children and grandchildren---we were in contact only occasionally, but always in our hearts and mind no matter the age or stage of life.  Rest in peace, Billy.  We miss you very much.  To Bill's family:  we mourn with you.  Carl Coats

Bill was very dear to our family. I remember Bill and Gail visiting from as far back as I can remember-Bill (and Gail) helped our father when my dad was sick with Leukemia and was my brother’s godfather. He always had a way of making us laugh with the silly videos and pictures he would photoshop. Bill truly cared about my dad and was very attentive to my brother, he would have done anything for our family. Gail, Melanie, and Ryan, I am so sorry for your loss. The pain you are going through is terrible, and I hope you know our family is thinking of you in this sad time in your lives. If there is a heaven, know that he’s there fishing with my dad and very content. May peace of mind find you. Love always,

Katherine 

On behalf of the Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Family, I want to send our condolences on Bill's passing. Although I never had the opportunity to meet Bill, I have heard many great things about him from current employees who knew Bill and talk about the lasting impact he made on them and the Department. Bill's legacy continues to live on as he and his family have chosen that contributions in his memory be made to the Raleigh Park's Play it Forward Financial Assistance Program, which provides affordable, accessible programs that bring children, individuals, and families into our parks and give them great reasons to play for a lifetime. Thank you Bill and Cooke Family!

I have so many fond memories of Bill. He was a kind and absolutely hilarious man. I was fortunate enough to spend many evenings with him and Gail at the movies. I always looked forward to having his ear while we waited for the movie to begin. We, and the rest of our movie family, had such a great time catching up week after week and movie after movie. 
You will forever be in my heart Bill! 
Gail and family you are in my thoughts.
I've attached a funny photo that he took at the movies spying on the rest of us. It made me laugh and I hope it will bring you joy as well. 
Much love!

Bill Cooke was a great man and godfather! I love him very much! I appreciate him taking me fishing at 45 Minute Rock, being my baseball coach, helping my family anytime we needed a handy man, always thinking of me on birthdays and Christmas, and visiting me when he came to Florida! He was like a brother to my Mom and will forever be a part of our family! His sense of humor and big heart will be missed. I love you Bill and know you will be looking down on me from heaven. Gail, Melanie and Ryan, I will continue praying for you all! If you need anything please do not hesitate to reach out! 

Love,
       Trey Harris

Gail, Melanie and Ryan, I have been saddened as well as shocked over Bill’s death. I loved hearing all the things said about Bill at the service. He absolutely knew he could “get my goat” most anytime  but it was always good to be around Bill. His sisters, Jean and Joan, were Jr Bridesmaids when I married Robert in 1955, but forever since then Bill wanted to make sure I knew he was there too!  Bill  and all your family were so good and caring to my Mother, Cora Alice, and I have been so grateful for all the attention given to my Sister, Jane. Gail, she particularly enjoyed y’all taking her to the “good” places like Pams or Snoopys.  That all fit in with the words from the service today about Bill caring and wanting  to help people.   Please know that I have been praying for y’all and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers in the difficult days ahead. We all know he is now in a much better place but he will be greatly missed.  Love to all of you, Alice Ann

Bill and Gail Cooke, two great people.  My husband and I met Bill and Gail at the movie screenings.  He and my husband became instant friends and Bill even convinced Joe to go fishing with him.  It was quite an adventure for Joe as he did not care about baiting the hook.  I wonder how that worked out!  Bill would always come over and fix anything that was broken at our house.  He even gave Joe a name.  Bill was a fine person and even though we did not see each other that much after the screenings became rather slow and everyone bought a card to see movies on their own, Bill will be missed!  Much love to the Cooke family!

Uncle Bill was a joy to have during the holidays for our annual family gatherings. He would bring laughter and smiles from all around him. He truly will be missed. May he Rest In Peace and look back at these wonderful family memories with a smile. Sending my love to Aunt Gail and my cousins during this devastating time. We are here for you all, always. ❤️

We met Bill for the first time at the free movie screenings that we started going to about 10 years ago. We saw Bill and Gail at the movies that we all loved several times a week and ended up forming some great friendships.   My main memory was of this app that he used for taking pictures of everyone and then making our faces look funky and distorted.  It was always fun seeing what he would come up with next.  

I will always remember the family get-togethers during the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas spent with Uncle Bill. Growing up, you always brought some laughter to our family gatherings. He never ceased to make my sister and I laugh with his funny photoshop creations. He had such a sense of humor. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Thinking of my Aunt Gail and cousins during this time. May he rest in peace and all receive comfort. Sending hugs.

When my cousins  Bill, Jean, and Joan were young. They lived up the block from me. At Christmas I had the opportnity to assist Santa Clause on Christmas Eve. Boy it seemed like that they got a lot. That maid my Christmas to assist Charlie & Pearl,

I first met Bill in high school though a common friend Carl Coats.. Soon the 3 of us were doing everything together.. My favorite times were meeting at his dad's barber shop in Glennwood village  after we all took our dates home and just hanging out and stealing candy from the machines... We all went to the beach upon graduation from Broughton  and had some great times.. First time i ever went 100 mph in a car,first time seeing how to fix a tv and endless rides from Chips to Shoney's. One time at Chips he had a loud speaker and there was a nearby putt putt and hed get down and hide in seat and say  The next one with a hole in one wins a free game and the putt putt guy go nuts...Rip my friend....Sorry Sallie and I cannot attend his services due to virus situation...I still play a radio Bill helped me build  for a gift to my now wife Sallie.. as the yearbook said  at Broughton ..Never a dull moment....

Gail and family,
Sue and I were saddened upon learning of Bill's passing. I had talked to him a number of times during his recent medical issues. When we talked last, just a couple of days before his death, he was back in the hospital but sounded good. So we really were shocked when we got the news.
Bill and I had a close friendship over the years even though he was several years younger than me. We were drawn together not just because of our common heritage and being first cousins, but also because of our love for NC State University. We both were avid Wolfpack fans. And we always enjoyed getting together with other family members at our family reunions.
Sue and I will not be attending the visitation because of the situation with Covid-19, as we are in the high-risk category. But we will be with you in spirit as we view the service through the livestream.
Hopefully we will be able to get together for some Snoopy's hot dogs whenever this Coronavirus situation clears up.
You all are in our prayers as you grieve Bill's passing. We know he is in a better place.

Bill hired me in 1975 for my first job with Raleigh Parks & Recreation - Asst. Director of Millbrook Exchange Center (as it was known then). Though we could always ‘push each other’s buttons’, we became lifelong friends - Bill being the closest thing I will ever have to a brother. He meant so much to my husband, Victor, and me that we chose him to be one of our son’s two Godfathers. He taught me many things about how to do home repairs and also did many for us over the years - most always with his trusted helper & wife, Gail, by his side. To say I love him would be an understatement and I will miss him more than I can say. 

I met Bill in the early '90's.  He loved doing home repairs and assisted us in updating our home for the past 22 years.  His skills have been evident in every room in our home and outside the home as well.  He also wrote a letter of recommendation for me when I applied to work for the City of Raleigh in 2000.  He will truly be missed, especially, his caring personality and friendship.  The only handyman I could trust to do quality work.

What can I say, my Uncle was bigger than life in my eyes. I used to love it when he would call me and say “hey girl “in his deep voice. His passion for helping others no matter if he knew them or not will never be forgotten. If there was a contest for the biggest NC State fan I’d have to say hands-down it would be my Uncle Bill!!!! I guess you could say I could be bullheaded sometimes but at the end of the day we loved each other!!!! Thank you for teaching me how to knee board and taking us out on your boat!!! I will never forget the Christmas I got overalls and I matched my Uncle it was so great , I think he was pretty impressed lol. Your wonderful wife Aunt Gail , beautiful daughter Melanie, great son Ryan, and all of your grandchildren were truly blessed to have you in their lives. I will continue to pray for comfort for all of your family down here, I’m grateful you get to be with Nana and Papa again . Love to you all !!!

One memory I have is spending the weekend with Melanie and her dad had us crawl in under their house to put plastic tarps covering the ground with bricks at the corner 🤣 at least we got paid. We were like in the 7th or 8th grade so I’m sure it wasn’t much. I also remember Melanie’s dad taking us to falls lake where I fished for the first time. 

His sister introduced me to Bill & his wife, Gail, around 2008 after my mother died. They became friends that I could ask for help at any time. In addition to being a great friend, he also did some of the most beautiful woodwork in my house. Will always remember his laughter, jokes, and being willing to help. Rest in piece .From Jeanie Gullett or Squirrel Head as he liked to call me. (never have figured out why)

Play It Forward Raleigh Financial Assistance Program, which is a scholarship program with park and camp opportunities for all ages:  https://raleighnc.gov/SupportPages/play-it-forward-raleigh.  Checks can be written to the City of Raleigh or an online payment can be made at online via RecLink.

OBITUARY

Charles William "Bill" Cooke

October 14, 1945 – September 22, 2020

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory

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