JOHN COOK JR.

Staff Sgt. John Cook Jr. was born on July 21, 1953, in Lee County, to the late John and Phylis Cook. He departed this earthly life on Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, at Providence Hospital, Columbia.

John attended Ashwood Central High School in Bishopville. He also graduated from Central Carolina Technical College, Sumter, with a degree in heating and air conditioning. At an early age, he joined New Haven United Methodist Church, where he served as an usher, a member of the United Methodist Men, male chorus, trustee president and finance committee. He was also an active member of the Boys to Men Community Organization of the church community. John served in the United States Army (82nd Airborne Division) for 21 years. He was stationed out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and was promoted to a staff sergeant, E6. His primary specialty included chemical operations and wire systems installer. His accomplishments included: the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star / Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal - 6th AWD, Army Commendation Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon and a Parachutist Badge. He extended his service at the request and the convenience of the government. During that time, he received the Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star-2 and the Kuwait Liberation Medal - Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, he was employed at the Lee Correctional Institution in Bishopville for 18 years.

Surviving to cherish his memories: his wife of 42 years, Mamie Lee; two daughters, Khessa (Chris) Singletary and Cindy (Kelcey) Charles; two sons, John (Monique) Cook III and Jevan Cook; three brothers, Isaac (Hettie) Cook, Joe Louis (Pamela) Pouge and Ronnie Hickmon; five sisters, Mabel Miller, Bertha Cook, Shirley Joe, Rebecca (Charles) Vereen and Shirley (Randy) Dixon; five grandchildren; four sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the home, 3150 Spring Hill Road, Dalzell.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 10 a.m. today at New Haven United Methodist Church, 3159 Red Hill Road, Bishopville, with the Rev. Blondell S. Miller, pastor, and the Rev. Johnny L. Blyther, pastor of Weeping Mary Baptist Church, Bishopville, eulogist.

The remains will be placed in the church at 9 a.m. for viewing until time of the service.

The funeral procession will leave at 9:20 a.m. from the home.

Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the Florence National Cemetery, 803 E. National Cemetery Road, Florence.

These services are entrusted to the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.

Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.