H. Leon Cook, Jr.

H. Leon Cook, Jr.

H. Cook, Jr. Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 2, 2025.
Herman Leon Cook, Jr., age 72, formerly of Clemmons, NC, passed away June 4, 2025. Leon was born in Winston-Salem, NC on August 5, 1952. He is survived by his mother, Ruth Holland Cook of Worthington, OH; two sisters, Kay Cook Kendall (Ed) of St. Charles, IL; Jennifer Cook Haddow (Mike) of Upper Arlington, OH; his best friend and former wife, Ann Miller of Lenoir, NC; six nieces and nephews, Laura Kendall Zimmermann (Geoff) of Aurora, IL; Thomas Kendall (Margie) of Johnson City, TN; Kyle Lookreddy (Esha) of Portland, OR; Amy Kendall of Seattle, WA; Kelly Haddow and Christopher Haddow of Upper Arlington, OH; five great-nieces and nephews; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends throughout the world. Leon was preceded in death by his father, Herman Leon Cook, Sr., Worthington, OH; his grandparents, J. Thomas and Flossie Brewer Cook of Clemmons, NC; Burke E. Holland, Kinston, NC; and Iva Ressler Holland, Hegins, PA, and by several dear aunts, uncles, and cousins. Leon never met a stranger as he traveled the world. If you knew him, you were his friend.

Leon was a 1970 graduate of West Forsyth High School, Clemmons, NC; a veteran of the U.S. Navy; and a 1978 graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts, where he studied music under the tutelage of Jesus Silva, completing a Bachelor of Music with emphasis in classical guitar. Leon retired from the U.S. Postal Service in January 2013 after more than 27 years, working first in the Boone, NC, postal system, and completing his career in Old Orchard Beach, ME. In addition to his appreciation for the arts, he was an avid kayaker, camper, hiker and traveler. In recent years he studied Spanish fervently. He enjoyed photography, documenting his many trips with stunning photographs he shared on social media. He enjoyed all genres of music: studying it, listening, watching live performances, and he always kept a guitar nearby.

A memorial service will be held at the Historic Broyhill Center (Old Clemmons School), 3540 Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC, on September 27, 2025 at 11:00 am. A reception and sharing of memories will follow.

Donations may be made in Leon's memory to the Blue Ridge Conservancy, https://blueridgeconservancy.org/; or donor's choice of charity.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign H. Cook, Jr.'s Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 11, 2025

Cary Vaughn posted to the memorial.

September 25, 2025

normand seguin posted to the memorial.

September 10, 2025

Henry McCarthy posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Cary Vaughn

October 11, 2025

I met Leon in La Purísima, BCS Mexico. We visited one afternoon under my friend´s huge bougainvillea. This was before Covid. He was a gentleman and became a Facebook friend. I enjoyed following his travels.

normand seguin

September 25, 2025

Mon ami Léon , nous à Baie St.Paul ville du Québec, nous sommes nombreux à t!avoir connu et aimé. Nous t!oublierons jamais, mon ami américain.
Repose en paix tu seras toujours dans nos coeurs

Symphaties à la familleet aux ami es .

Normand Séguin

Henry McCarthy

September 10, 2025

I met Mr Cook camping in the Blue Ridge only once impressive man!

Ric Landreth

September 10, 2025

So sorry to hear the news about Leon. Many good memories of growing up in Clemmons with the Cook's as neighbor and friends. A truly good guy!

Nancy Owens Currie

September 10, 2025

Dear Mrs. Cook, Kay, Jennifer and families - saddened to read of Leon's passing. I have fond childhood memories of our families in the early Clemmons days. Prayers for peace and comfort.
Nancy Owens Currie

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in H. Cook, Jr.'s name

How to support H.'s loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor H. Cook, Jr.'s life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign H. Cook, Jr.'s Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 11, 2025

Cary Vaughn posted to the memorial.

September 25, 2025

normand seguin posted to the memorial.

September 10, 2025

Henry McCarthy posted to the memorial.