William J. Cook

Blessed to have lived 92 long and fulfilling years, William J. Cook quietly passed away on Sunday, August 14, 2016, in his home in Vancleave, MS. And now his new journey has begun. William was born in 1923 in Richey, Mississippi, to Charles A. Cook and Nannie Winpegler Cook. He left the Delta as a young man to pursue work trades on the Gulf Coast. He operated movie theatres for several years, the last being The Joy Theatre in Moss Point in 1952 where he and his wife Delores settled. William later was employed with Hayne Products, (now Omega Protein) for 35 years. His lifelong admirable work ethic amazed many. He was also a Master Mason of the Moss Point Masonic Lodge #202 for over 60 years. Upon his retirement, William moved to Vancleave where he enjoyed growing vegetables. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, a teacher of these skills and many others to his grandchildren. His greatest joy was in spending time with these children and his great-grandchildren at family gatherings. A much loved and respected brother, husband, father and grandfather, he was affectionately known to many as "Pop." William was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Delores of 63 years in 2014, brother, Jake Cook and sisters, Mary Lee Farlow and JoAnn Hall Parish. Surviving him with loving memories of his wisdom and devotion to the family he adored: daughter, Susan (Jeff) Blalock, Vancleave, MS; son, Mickey (Annie) Cook, Pascagoula, MS; daughter, Robin (Pete') Harrell, Hurley, MS; grandsons: Wesley (Allison) Cook, Gautier, MS; Charley Cook, Pascagoula, MS; David Cook, Atlanta, GA; Jay Blalock, Vancleave, MS; granddaughter: Hannah (Grant) Turner, Mobile, AL; great- grandchildren: Wyatt and Sarah Cook, Gautier, MS; sister: Eunice Smith, Star, MS; sister: Bobbye Drane, Natchez, MS. and brother, Dr. Alton Hall. Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 17, from 10am until 11am, with an 11am Celebration of Life funeral service, all at the Vancleave Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Vancleave #2 Cemetery. Selected Pallbearers will be: Jeff Blalock, Jay Blalock, Pete' Harrell, Wesley Cook, Charley Cook, David Cook and Grant Turner. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER, Development Office, Unit 0205, P.O. Box 301439, Houston, TX. 77230-1439.