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Bobby Cook Obituary
This notice will be updated
Read more about lawyer Bobby Lee Cook from journalist Bill Rankin on ajc.com
Memories and Condolences
for Bobby Cook
45 Entries
Tom Bayko
May 26, 2022
During the early 1980's several people, including President Jimmy Carter and former Deputy Attorney General, Deputy Secretary of State (and later Secretary of State) Warren Christopher, told me that Bobby Lee Cook is the greatest trial lawyer in the history of the United States of America. As Bobby Lee's client, co-counsel, and friend, I wholeheartedly agree with them but I do so based on my own personal experiences with Bobby Lee in the courtroom. And, as great a trial lawyer as Bobby Lee was, he was an even greater human being. Tom Bayko
Thomas Cushman
May 25, 2022
A great man, a great lawyer and an inspiration to achieve honor and respect for our profession.
Tony btay
February 26, 2021
He was there to help and man or woman
Brenda Cooper
February 24, 2021
Thankful to have known Mr. BOBBY LEE COOK.
Tony and cristal bray
February 23, 2021
Good man who going be hard without praying for fam
Linda and Bob Brown
February 23, 2021
Bobby Lee was one of the most interesting men I have ever known. He was full of stories and truly had a photographic memory. We were privileged enough to have spent a weekend at his Cloudland home years ago and truly enjoyed his hospitality and company. He was a one of a kind and will be missed!
Gedney Howe
February 23, 2021
Bobby was a great man, a good friend, and a fantastic attorney. The world has lost someone who was truly unique, and is a darker place for it.
Beth Hillin
February 22, 2021
Rest In Peace my friend . Enjoyed a beautiful friendship thru the years ... Beth Hillin
Jim Stein
February 22, 2021
One of the greatest associations I ever had. Booby Lee was the best lawyer to have ever grace the insides of a court room. Bobby Lee was unique and can't be replaced
Marie Cook
February 22, 2021
Grew up knowing this man as I lived in trion. He was a fantastic man attorney. He will be missed.
Teddy Solomon
February 21, 2021
Bobby Lee was a bright, attractive, inspirational star for legions of us.
After graduating in accounting at GaSou in 1969, I was hired by the IRS and sent to Rome. Fate placed Bobby Lee’s tax return on my desk for a thorough and sifting examination. Needless to say, during the audit I liked what I saw and heard.
After the audit, he perceived my new-found interest in the law and he asked me to join him in Atlanta where he was in a high-profile trial defending a city alderman accused of bribery. He had a suite at the Hyatt. Until then I had no idea that hotel rooms were anything other than the two double bed boxes my friends and I piled up in during spring break in Daytona.
Lock, stock, and barrel, after this experience I was sold on being a lawyer. In addition to observing what I later realized was far and away the best legal talent I would ever see, I was equally impressed by the friendly and engaging manner that he treated every person: other lawyers, taxi drivers, waiters, and elevator operators—did not matter their status. I also learned a surprising lesson that stayed with me throughout my legal career: he told me his fee was not enough to pay the room and meals (and we did eat good), but the front page publicity being spread all over the state by the paper that covered Dixie like the dew was an invaluable tax-free benefit. And, with the grin we all remember, he assured me he would make up the fee down the road.
I am grateful for having been able to speak with him about two weeks ago to make sure he knew how much I appreciated his willingness to spend time and effort to inspire.
Thank you Bobby Lee.
Teddy Solomon
Alma
Jamie Frady
February 21, 2021
I'm so sorry about Bobby. He was always a great friend to my family.
Justice Leah Ward Sears (retired)
February 21, 2021
Bobby Lee Cook was a great man and an amazing lawyer. He was also my friend. When I learned that he was no longer with us physically, my heart ached. But I'm sure that he still has his keen eyes on all of us, especially his family, and that his wonderful spirit will never die.
Justice Leah Ward Sears (retired)
February 21, 2021
Bobby Lee was one of the best men I've ever know. He was also a great trial law as well as a good friend to both my husband Haskell Ward and me. May the love of all his many friends console the family through their grief. He will never be forgotten.
Ralph & Laine Hunstein
February 21, 2021
Bob & I met in the late 70’s; he was my great friend and mentor. We chatted too briefly on his birthday. Our thoughts and prayers are with all family and friends. He will be truly missed.
Nora Chisano
February 21, 2021
He honored me with some of his valuable time. I am better for it.
Stanley W. Gould, MSW, ACSW, LSW-PA, EMDR-C, CPS-PA
February 21, 2021
Bobby Lee Cook literally saved my life. I was accused of a crime I did not commit. The other attorneys I consulted all suggested that, even though I was innocent, I should take a plea deal and spend some time in prison. Bobby Lee Cook took the case, and the charges against me were thrown out of court. Since that day, I have spent my life in service to my fellow human beings. I graduated from college and graduate school, and have worked for the last 45 years as a social worker. The memory of Bobby Lee Cook shall SURELY be for a blessing!
Kelly Hudson
February 21, 2021
February 21
I grew up in Summerville and had the privilege of knowing bobby Lee when he was just beginning his legacy as one of the best attorney's in the world. My friend Don Johnson and I played many doubles tennis matches at 6am on asphalt courts against Bobby Lee and his good friend James Adams while in high school. We were mere teenagers and they were in their 30's. He always treated us as "adults" --- just like we were "one of them". He was as competitive on the tennis courts as he was in the trial courts. He hated to lose and rarely did. Decades later when I would see him when I visited my parents who lived in his neighborhood, he still joked that Don and my wins against him on the tennis courts were no better than the attorney's on the opposing side in real court.
Bobby Lee was very kind and philanthropic. Although was well known for his high dollar charges for some of his famous clients, he was also well known locally for helping the average guy "pro bono" because that man needed a good lawyer like Bobby Lee Cook and that man could not afford to pay him.
Bobby Lee Cook was one of kind. He will be missed.
My prayers and condolences to the family
Kelly Hudson
Rome, Ga
Jackie Andrews
February 21, 2021
I wished that l could have spent more time with the wonderful man. My prayers goes out to him lovely family.
Edwina R Barnes
February 20, 2021
It was such an honor to one him. Condolences to his family.
Cathy and James Camp
February 20, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Bobby was a wonderful man. We will miss him very much. We will keep his family in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time.
Jenny Jackson
February 20, 2021
Deepest heartfelt condolences to the family. Bobby Lee Cook was a great man. You are in my thoughts and prayers
Jenny Jackson
Nathan Brooks
February 20, 2021
A wonderful friend and mentor to me. I pray for peace and comfort for his family. May light perpetual shine upon him, and may our Lord grant him peace. Fr. Nathan Brooks+ St. Michael's Anglican Church. Chattanooga.
Duane Harris
February 20, 2021
In the first years of the Weekend for Wildlife on Sea Island, Bobby Lee purchased the low country boil my wife donated. Months later we drive to Summerville and cooked at his party for 50 people. That began a great friendship.
Years later Bobby Lee asked me to help him get a permit for a dock at the house he bought on Sea Island. He ended up being more of a friend that a client and we enjoyed a number of fishing trips with me captaining his boat.
Bobby Lee was a great friend and we will miss his visits to Sea Island and our fishing trips together.
Duane & Carol Harris
virgil brown
February 20, 2021
A gentle Giant that I looked up to. Always ready to help. I enjoyed trying cases with Bobby Lee Cook, Roy Barnes and Denmark Groover. Bobby Lee Cook cannot be replaced.
Corky Strickland
February 20, 2021
I met Mr. Cook only after he was already a legend. Even so, he was a gracious and engaging man. I so appreciate his taking the time and energy to share his wisdom and insights with students and alumni of Samford University's Cumberland School of Law on several visits. He was a towering lawyer and man.
Lynn Harasin Johnson
February 20, 2021
Bobby Lee loved reporters and we couldn’t help but love him back. I chased after him at a Marietta restaurant in what turned out to be the last time time I saw him. I told him I just survived cancer. He said he survived it twice. Then I told him I was suing Channel Two and the trial was starting in two weeks. He said,”You want me to come down to federal court with you and sit at your table as co-counsel just to freak out their attorneys?” When I told my attorney of the offer he was star struck at the thought. I didn’t have to take him up on the offer. The case was settled. Lynn Harasin former reporter at WSB-TV
James Hobgood
February 20, 2021
The Greatest Trial Lawyer and Friend of all times. It was an honor to know him! Prayers and love to the Cook Connelly Family.
James Hobgood and Family
Charles Carroll
February 20, 2021
He was very smart and a good friend !
Jack B. Hood
February 19, 2021
I visited Bobby Lee at his special home in Cloudland, GA on Lookout Mountain about two months ago. He was in great spirits, especially because the democrats had taken back The White House. He was a liberal democrat, and I was a conservative. We discussed politics in depth from time to time but there was never a cross word between us. We were friends, trial lawyers, and legal co-authors. Our conversations always came back to the idea of what a privilege and honor it was to represent our clients in the U.S. court systems. Bobby Lee was a true gentleman of the bar from the old school, and he will be greatly missed.
Jack B. Hood
Divell Welchel
February 19, 2021
Prayers for the Cook family! I had the luck & pleasure to witness Mr. Cook in court doing his magic and it was nothing short of brilliant! I doubt their will ever be another man like him ever! May he Rest In Peace!❤
Hurl R Taylor
February 19, 2021
I was just one of thousands of lawyers who Bobby mentored and I followed him around during the summer of 1983 while a student at Emory law school. I found out that we liked the same lunch items, two hot dogs and milk! Once, while talking in his office, a client showed up and Bobby introduced himself as Bobby Lee Cook and the lady immediately looked at me and said is this Bobby Lee Jr. I was about 10 years younger than Bobby and I did have a beard which was the only similar feature we had in common. I am African American which was obvious. Bobby and I looked at each other in surprise and I left Bobby alone to answer the inquiry of his client. Later, we laughed together and we told this story many tiimes. I would kid him about his time in Va., my home state and call him daddy.
He was always a story teller and I am so pleased that I could be one of the characters in one of them. I look forward to hearing more in Heaven as we drink our milk and eat honey hot dogs.Rest in humor and JOY my friend !
David and Ann Groover
February 19, 2021
Bobby Lee will be remembered by history as a legendary trial lawyer, a staunch defender of the constitution, and a champion of human rights. He will be remembered by his friends and loved ones as a true southern gentleman, a loving father and grandfather, a wise and trusted mentor, and a fierce ally in any fight. He was an immensely generous man with a delightful twinkle in his eye, a razor-sharp mind and great humor. No one could tell a story like Bobby Lee! I have always marveled at his keen memory for detail, and his gift for listening. He gave such complete attention in conversations that you could feel his genuine interest in each person he encountered. We will miss him deeply, and we treasure our many happy memories with Bobby Lee.
David and Sharon Goodwill
February 19, 2021
The best friend of Stetson Bennett,Sr from Jesup, Ga, who became my mentor after the death of my parents. When I moved here 2 decades ago, Bobby Lee became my friend and trusted advisor. May be rest in peace. He spent his life defending the rights of others. He his personal life was his family and loved them with ever cell in his body. He is brightest and most successful and intuitive person Chattooga has ever had it will have. He was loved and respected and will be missed.
--Drs. David and Sharon Goodwill
Jo Watson
February 19, 2021
Mr. Cook, or Granddaddy as the grandchildren called him, was a devoted grandfather who fiercely loved his family. He was a rock for the family and was loved by many people. He will be remembered as a legend.
Loria Roach
February 19, 2021
The Best Attorney and Friend anyone could have.
Frank C Winn
February 19, 2021
Truly one of the best trial attorneys ever.
John Tyler
February 19, 2021
Only two lawyers could cross examine and make people break down and confess- one was Perry Mason and the other was Bobby Lee. A great man, a defender of the Constitution and a legend. We have lost a great American.
Beverly Young
February 19, 2021
I had the honor of hearing Bobby Cook speak at a high school commencement speech 16 years ago at Darlington School. I was so impressed by him I will never forget it. I only hope those who heard him and his message really heard him and remember his message. He was a man of the ages and his humor and intelligence will be missed.
Bill Killian
February 19, 2021
In Remembrance of Bobby Lee Cook
Even though I had heard of his reputation, I didn’t personally meet Bobby Lee until the early 1980s. I was at a seminar in Gatlinburg, sponsored by the Tennessee Trial Lawyers. Bobby Lee had been asked to speak on Cross Examination. I was excited to hear the great Bob Lee Cook. He was certainly experienced at the art of cross-examination, and extremely perceptive of court proceedings and processes and how human beings interacted with them.
To this day, I remember a story that he told highlighting one of his many techniques of cross-examination. My memory of that story is as follows:
I was representing this guy in a federal case of drug conspiracy, involving my client and some other people. The government had made a deal, and plea bargained with one of the co-conspirators. In my view, they had made the deal with the most culpable of the co-conspirators involved in the case. After he testified how terrible my client was how my client was responsible for basically the whole drug conspiracy, time came for my cross-examination. I said, “Mr. so-and-so, what has the government promised to do for you in exchange for your testimony?” He said, “They’re gonna let me out of jail.” I said, “how much time did you serve your 10 year sentence?” “About one half years.” “What else are they going to do for you?” The cooperating defendant said, “they’re going to give me a whole new identity.” I said, “Really.” “What else are they going to do for you?” He said, “they’re gonna get me a place to live.” “Anything else”, I asked. “Yeah, they’re going get me a college education.” I couldn’t resist, “would that be at the college of your choice?” The codefendant said, “Yeah as far as I know.” Then I said, “Mr. so-and-so, I have a granddaughter starting the University of Georgia this fall. If you decide to enroll at the University Georgia would you let me know?”
The jury acquitted Mr. Cook’s client.
That is one of many examples of Bobby Lee Cook’s tremendously effective perception of how human beings on juries respond to the court processes, yet utilize their common sense. What Bobby Lee in the preceding story didn’t say, nor did he have to say was, “This guy will say anything to get all that the government is doing for him.”
Bobby Lee was effective in trial because he was a genuine empathetic human being, loaded with common sense.
Another story that I recall from his presentation in Gatlinburg was about eating breakfast every day at a local cafeteria in Somerville, Georgia. He had tried for years to explain via the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, why everybody was entitled to representation who was charged with the crime. He had represented a lot of terrible people who had committed terrible acts. His friends at the cafeteria simply couldn’t understand how he could represent somebody that everybody knew was guilty. He had explained the 6th and 8th amendments, the Due Process Clause of the Constitution, as well as the reasoning of Gideon versus Wainwright, all to no avail.
One day he walked into breakfast at the cafeteria. He had been hired to represent someone who had a terrible criminal history and had been charged with committing a horrible act that had resulted in the death of a child. The group at the cafeteria started in on him as to how could he possibly defend this person when they were obviously guilty. Bobby Lee, contrary to his previous constitutional argument, on that day said, “For $50,000.” After that none of them ever asking that question again. From that point forward they understood all the constitutional ramifications of the right to have counsel represent you when charged with criminal charge, the right to jury, due process etc.
It was my distinct honor and pleasure knowing Bobby Lee. He wrote me the nicest letter, which I still have, after one of our several meetings we had in my office when I was US attorney. He would represent people from time to time in Chattanooga charged with federal criminal offenses. He never came to the US attorney’s office without coming to see me personally in my office. We would sit and talk for some time. He was always a gentleman, interested in what you had to say, and was full of observations of human behavior. It was always a delight to see him coming down the hall to my office.
He was truly one of the great trial and practicing lawyers of our time. I have honestly never heard a derogatory remark about him from anybody who knew him in the legal profession. He had that rare quality of garnering everybody’s respect, including the lawyers on the other side of the controversy. We should all be so lucky to know, experience, and learn from one of the great trial lawyers of our time.
William C. (Bill) Killian
BPR 002425
Former United States Attorney
Of Counsel
Cavett, Abbott & Weiss
Office: (423) 265-8804
Cell: (423) 661-5964
[email protected]
nick lotito
February 19, 2021
Bobby Lee was also a mentor to many lawyers, giving generously of his time and talents. He truly walked with kings, but never lost the common touch. My life was blessed and enriched by knowing him and the Cook Connelly family.
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