George Ray Cook

1922 - 2015

Ray Cook

Canton - George Ray "Dude" Cook, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2014 at Silver Bluff Nursing Home.

A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was the son of the late Arthur and Nancy Cathey Cook. He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Chad Buchanan; four brothers; and seven sisters. He was a US Army combat veteran serving during World War II in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre. Ray was a former employee of American Enka and a retired employee of Champion International with 38 years of service. He was also a member of Spring Hill Baptist Church. Ray had a special love for camping which enabled him to develop many friendships and lasting memories. He was also an accomplished fly fisherman and was an avid supporter of Pisgah athletics for many years.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Edith C. Cook; two daughters, Patty Buchanan and her husband, Doug, of Cary and Rhonda Earley of Canton; three grandchildren, Brian Buchanan and his wife, Angie, and Amanda and Aaron Earley; and two great-grandchildren, Parker and Peyton Buchanan.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend Keith Clark officiating. A eulogy will be given by his son-in-law, Doug Buchanan. Burial will follow at Spring Hill Baptist Church Cemetery with military graveside rites. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 437 Henson Cove Road.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or to Spring Hill Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1918 Murray Road, Canton, NC 28716.

An online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com