David Wilson Cook

Dr. David Wilson Cook, 81, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, passed away, Saturday, June 19, 2021 in Pascagoula, Mississippi. David was born November 3, 1939 in Liberty, Mississippi to Lemon Wilson and Margaret Annette (Haynes) Cook. He graduated from Tylertown High School in 1957. He then attended Mississippi State University, earning three degrees culminating in 1966 with his Ph.D. in Microbiology. He was employed as the Assistant Director at Gulf Coast Research Laboratory from 1966 until his retirement in 1992. While at GCRL, he authored or co-authored approximately 53 publications in his field. In 1992, Dr. Cook took a supervisory position with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration where he worked until his retirement in 2003. At FDA, he authored or co-authored 12 publications and two textbook chapters. Dr. Cook was recognized nationally as an expert in seafood and food safety where his contributions to the field were valued by many. During his retirement Dr. Cook enjoyed traveling and several hobbies. He was an avid gardener, growing beautiful roses for his wife of sixty years, Jane. He was also an accomplished potter. In the last several years, Dr. Cook became a well-known maker of exquisite wire wrap jewelry in Mississippi. Following his servant’s heart, Dr. Cook believed in serving his community and was an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church where he served in many different capacities. He was a Christian man of great faith and lived his life as an example for others. Dr. Cook loved his family endlessly. He was a consummate encourager and supporter. He was a protector and provider. He loved deeply. Our family is better because of his leadership and love. Dr. Cook is survived by his wife of sixty years, Jane Oglesby Cook. He also is survived by his two sons, David Wilson Cook, II and his wife Sharlee of Ocean Springs, MS; Lynwood Keith Cook and his husband Daniel Krajewski of Phoenix AZ; two granddaughters, Daelyn Annette and Jordyn Leigh Cook of Ocean Springs, MS; his brother, Billy Charles Cook and wife Jimmie Nell of Grapevine, TX as well as two nieces, Elizabeth Edwards (Mark) of Peachtree City, GA and Leslie Westerman (Tom) of Grapevine, TX. Dr. Cook was preceded in death by his parents, L. W. and Annette Cook and his sister Margaret Vaughn Cook. Visitation for the family will be held on Thursday, June 24 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. Friends may call from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home 911 Porter Ave, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, June 25, where friends may call beginning at 9:00 AM at St. Paul United Methodist Church 800 Porter Avenue, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The Commendation and Burial will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery in Ocean Springs. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Dr. Cook’s memory to one of the following ministries: St. Paul United Methodist Church, Attn: Backpack Buddies, 800 Porter Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 or The Lord is My Help, 1205 Desoto Street, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.