Kenneth Jackson Cooke's Obituary
Mr. Kenneth Jackson Cooke, of Statesville, N.C. (formerly of Cornelius, N.C.) passed away Thursday, May 11th, 2017 at the young age of seventy-five.
Kenneth was the son of Moses and Selma Gamble Cooke of Cornelius, N.C.
Kenneth was a 1961 graduate of North Mecklenburg High School and a 1963 graduate of N.C. State University Agricultural Institute. Kenneth retired from Bell South after enjoying thirty-four years of service and was a valued and honored member of the Stumptown Tractor Club.
Kenneth was the embodiment of a southern gentleman showing everyone who knew him kindness, generosity, and courtesy. His life pleasures were restoring tractors, farming, Civil War history, Godley’s auctions, and classic southern cooking prepared by his wife Kay. He will always be remembered as a great man beloved by his family and friends.
Kenneth is survived by his devoted wife of fifty-two years, Kay Dwyer Cooke. Also surviving are his loving children, Kenneth Christopher Cooke (Shannon) of Denver, N.C. and also his daughter, Carol Ann Cooke, of Huntersville, N.C. He has one grandchild, Jackson Glenn Cooke, who was the light of his life and will always miss his “Grand-daddy”.
Also surviving are his siblings: Charles Cooke (Midge), Robert Cooke (Nancy), Betty Conley (Eddie), Martha Jenkins (Lawson), Marilyn Ainslie (Gregory), Joe Cooke (Kathy). Kenneth also had numerous nieces and nephews that held a special place in his heart.
Kenneth will be laid to rest at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Cornelius, N.C. where he was a lifetime member. The service and celebration of life will be on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at 11:00 AM, at Mt. Zion UMC in Cornelius. Burial will follow in church cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at the church and following the burial the family will have a reception in the Family Life Center.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church or to a charity of your choice.
James Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Cooke and online condolences can be made to jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Kenneth?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kenneth?
Share a story where Kenneth's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kenneth you’ll never forget.
How did Kenneth make you smile?