Mr. Robert Howie Cook, beloved Daddy and PaPa, departed this life to be with the Lord on February 9 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Born July 2, 1937 in Dillon, SC, Robert was the son of the late Mattie and Phillip Cook, Jr. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Sarah F. Cook, whom he lovingly cared for during her extended illness. A native of Dillon County, Robert was a resident of Latta, SC for the past 30 years.
As a young man, Robert proudly served in the US Marine Corps and was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier, Franklin D. Roosevelt, as the Captain’s orderly after training at Parris Island, SC. After service, he returned to Dillon County to marry and rear a family. A truck driver, Robert retired from Smurfit-Stone Packaging after 35 years. An avid sports fan, Robert enjoyed Dillon Wildcat and Clemson Tiger football, NASCAR racing, and talking sports with family and friends. He was known for his storytelling and spent many an enjoyable hour talking with family and friends.
Robert is survived by four children: Sandra (Michael) Roberts, Latta, Robin (Mark) Moore, Dillon, Michael (Kim) Cook, Dillon, and Geoffrey Cook, Latta. He was proud to be the PaPa to five grandsons: Phillip Cook, Charleston, Clay Roberts and Matt Roberts, Latta, Seth Cook and Bryson Cook, Dillon, and a precious granddaughter, Madison Moore, Dillon. Recent blessings included the addition of four great-grandchildren to his family –Hannah, Cooper, Carly Rose, and Sage.
In addition to his immediate family, Robert is survived by his sister, Margaret (Eddie) Scott, Dillon, sister-in-law, Margaret Alford, Floyd Dale, and nieces and nephews: Mark Scott and Crystal (Richard) Fields, Mitzy (Harry) Lewis, Chris (Susan) Alford, and Tiny Ann Fowler. He was predeceased by a sister, Mildred Cook, Dillon, SC.
The family would like to thank the staff of Dr. Bajaj and Dr. Jona, and the nurses of the McLeod Center for Cancer Treatment and Research, the Oncology Unit, and the Progressive Care Unit for their supportive and compassionate care during his cancer treatments and hospitalizations. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the McLeod Center for Cancer Treatment and Research.
A Service to Celebrate his life was held 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 11, 2018 at Cooper Funeral Home Chapel in Dillon officiated by Rev. Bert Petty. Visitation followed immediately after the service.
Please sign the online guestbook@www.cooperfh.com.