Billy "Bill" Eugene Cook

Billy Billy Eugene Cook, of Walker Store Road, Franklinville left this earth to meet his Savior on Friday, June 26. What he met was no more pain and suffering. Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty, who lives in Clapps Nursing Home. Two daughters, Vickie Cook of Franklinville and Bonnie Shackelford of Wilson, NC. There is also one son, Chris Cook who resides in Burgaw. He has one sister, Nancy Williamson of Maryland. Bill was blessed with the apples of his eyes with four grandchildren, Mikki Weaver, (Zebulon IV) of Weddington, NC, Mary Gilbert (Jason) of Castle Hayne, NC. Andy Hester (Amy) of Carolina Beach, NC and Adam Shackelford of Wilmington, NC. There were six great grandchildren, Zee and Routh Weaver of Weddington, Olivia and Madeline Hester of Carolina Beach, Nicolas and Zoe Gilbert of Castle Hayne. Bill served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. Bill was a man who never met a stranger. Once he met them, they usually became his friend. Bill was an avid fisherman. Being on the bank of a lake gave him much joy. He always kept a running total of his fish and then tossed them back in. Last year he caught over 1000 fish. Another hobby he had was metal detecting. He could be found around Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas, with his face toward the sand and his back toward the sun. In his younger days, he played softball at White Memorial Ball Field. He was one who cleared the fence with every time up to bat. He drove for Pilot Freight Carriers until his retirement. He did not like being retired. So, he came out of retirement and began volunteering as a janitor for Asheboro High School. When his wife, Betty, went to Clapps, he left the high school and started volunteering at Clapps. For nearly five years he reported there as if he had a regular paying job. He would go down the hall, get the ones already in wheelchairs and drive them to the cafeteria. He always made sure they had their napkins in their laps. Then he would take them back to their room. At Christmas, he was known as the candy man. He would order 150 lbs of fresh orange slice candy to give to friends and family. No matter who he met, he always gave away his orange slices. Bill was a man who wore many hats, literally. He had a hat for every occasion. Whom ever Bill met, he made a lasting impression on them. He met his Savior 47 years ago, Bill read his Bible and the funny papers. I guess he figured that was enough. He will be missed by many for a long, long time. The family will receive friends Friday, July 3, 2015 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM at Whites Memorial Baptist Church, 2930 Whites Memorial Rd., Franklinville. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 pm with Rev. Jeff Joyce officiating. Military honors will be presented by the Randolph County Honor Guard.