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Terrell Buford Cook Sr.

Terrell Buford Cook Sr. obituary, McRae, GA

Terrell Cook Obituary

Terrell Buford Cook, Sr. -MCRAE - Buford Cook went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 3, 2012. The owner and operator of Pine Leaf Investments, he lived a remarkable life that touched many people. He was born on June 21, 1932 to Ray Vaughn "Varney" and Susan Brown Cook, the sixth of seven children, his childhood was filled with stories about his brothers, sisters and cousins working and playing together. In his childhood, he acquired a love of music and could play the piano, guitar, fiddle or any other instrument by ear. Buford was well known for playing the Buford boogie. He loved to play the piano and he could make it sing. -God blessed Buford and guided him throughout his life. God blessed him with the ability and determination to work. Buford had a great positive attitude - he thought he could accomplish anything he tried. One of the defining moments of his life was when he was 12 and his father, Varney, fell from a chimney and was injured. His dad showed him how to make concrete blocks in a hand press. They built a small block building and opened a country store to help support the family. Buford's dedication and love for his parents was his main priority. He prayed to God to let him live to take care of his mama and daddy. Buford plowed behind a mule, breaking a few inches of ground each time. He planted cotton, dipped turpentine, raised hogs, stacked lumber, worked at Robins Air Force Base and anything else to help the family survive, including constructing numerous bridges. Those difficult times forged a person who always strived to do better but never, as he said, "got above his raising" and "always appreciate where you came from." -Buford graduated from Rhine High School in 1950 and was voted Most Likely to Succeed and five years later he purchased the cotton gin in Milan. He successfully ran the gin for about eight years. It was during this time in Milan that he met the love of his life, Sheila. They began a love affair that has lasted more than 46 years. Sheila was Buford's foundation and his partner in all of his endeavors. -Buford was a member of McRae United Methodist Church and served as Director in many positions of leadership with the Georgia Healthcare Association, was a Rotarian and a 50-year Mason. He attended the University of Georgia and Georgia Southwestern and was a stockholder of the Merchants and Citizens Bank. Buford served as Chairman of the Job Training Partnership Act under Governor Joe Frank Harris. -Buford was presented a flag in recognition of his accomplishments and service to others, which had flown over the U.S. Capitol, by Senator Max Cleland. -It is said that there are two dates we remember - our birthday and the day we meet the Lord. The time between these dates makes the difference. Buford made a wonderful difference in so many lives. He made such an impact on the patients and families he cared for in the Nursing Homes he owned and operated. In 1965, God guided him to build McRae Manor Nursing Home for his parents. He went on to build Dublinair Nursing Home, Quiet Oaks (Crawford) and Bryan County Health and Rehab. He purchased Madison Health and Rehab and also manages Wrightsville Manor. All of these facilities are managed by Pine Leaf Investments, which he established in 1984. -Matthew 25:40 says, "Whatever you have done for the least of these you have done unto me." He lived and practiced this verse. Buford lived a remarkable life and his legacy will live on in the homes he built that have cared for so many over the years. -Buford's four precious grandchildren loved their Papa dearly. He felt great joy in attending all of their ballgames, church musicals and dance recitals. He loved hunting and fishing with them. They were the light of his life and he was their heart. -We read these notes everyday during his illness and it gave him strength: -Shayla describes it when she wrote this to her Papa, "I love you! You are always there with me in my heart and he prays when I fall. I am okay because you are there with me. You work so hard for us. We would not have what we have if it wasn't for you. Just dropping by to say I love you a lot. You are the best!" -Grant wrote among his 10 reasons his Papa should get better, "so we can go hunting and fishing, you can come to ballgames and Honors Night, we can go to prayer breakfast together, you need to watch the Nursing Home, so we can go to Rock Eagle together, so you can see me grow up and that I have the best grandpa in the whole world. I love you, Papa!" -Grace said, "I love Papa very much. You have always been there for me and you mean the world to meÉI pray for you each night." -Sophie would always say, "I love you, too, Papa!" She and her Papa share the same birthday, June 21st. -Buford was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Montine (A.J.) Wallace, L.V. (Elizabeth "Toots") Cook, Fostell Cook Studstill, Hugh Cook, Audrey (Jerome) Studstill, sister-in-law, June Williams, and niece, Suzette Studstill Sanders. -He is survived by his loving wife, Sheila Williams Cook; a daughter, Shann Cook; son, Terry (Heather) Cook; and grandchildren, Grace, Grant, Shayla and Sophie Cook, all of McRae; sister, Barbara Sue (Bill) Thornton, Ellijay; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Cook, Myrtle Beach, SC; brothers-in-law, Gene (Rebecca) Williams, Milan; Grady (Emma Jean) Williams, McRae; and David (Rita) Williams, Milan; and nieces and nephews, Billy Wallace (Carolyn) Cook, Vaughn (Drake) Tilley, Dane Cook, Amy (Michael) Ryals, Kim Goodman, Dallas Goodman, Susan Cook, Vicki (Mike) Morgan, Cindy (Tommy) Greene, Gina (Lonnie) Roberts, Dave Williams, Doug (Tammy) Williams, Derek (Joy) Williams and John (Katharine) Williams. -Funeral services for Buford will be held at 3P.M., Tuesday, May 8, at the McRae United Methodist Church with burial in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation is tonight, 6:00 to 9:00P.M., at Vaughn Funeral Home. -Contributions may be made to the McRae United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 8, McRae, GA 31055, or to Georgia Healthcare Association Buford and Sheila Cook Scholarship Fund, 160 County Club Drive, Stockbridge, GA 30228. -Buford, we appreciate all of your sacrifices that you made to build a better future for us. We will cherish the memories of his outstanding life and remember the lessons he taught us and take comfort in the reunion God has promised. -Please express condolences at www.vaughnfh.com. -Vaughn Funeral Home of McRae has charge of arrangements.

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

Published by The Telegraph from May 6 to May 7, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Terrell Cook

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May 14, 2012

Im sorry for your loss. I hope the love and support from family and friends help during this difficult time. May God give your family strength and comfort. He will heal you during your times of distress (Psalm 147:3

Rob Haddock

May 9, 2012

Our paths crossed. Buford changed my life. Buford is a Christian and helped me become a Christian.I will never forget Buford. I was blessed with knowing him and his family.ALL WILL MISS HIM.

Claude Rivers

May 8, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Susan Rieger Brown

May 8, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with the family in your loss. Buford touched many lives and will be greatly missed. He gave my sister her first job when she completed her nursing degree and remained a dear friend.

May 8, 2012

Terry & family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Cook was an amazing person. My thoughts & prayers are with you during this time of loss.

Leslie Amerson

May 7, 2012

Mr. Cook set an example for many to follow and his memory will live on for many years to come. He touched the lives of so many. Such a beautiful obituary! Prayers go up for you all. Sincerely, Leslie Amerson

Terri Gay

May 7, 2012

I'm so sorry...my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Lori Vaughn

May 7, 2012

Terry, Shann, and Families,
My sincere condolences and prayers to you and your family. May the wonderful memories shared bring peace to your heart during this difficult time.

Marilyn Heaton

May 7, 2012

Mrs. Sheila & Family,

We are so sorry to hear this. I remember Mr. Buford when I visited Vicki, Cindy, and Gina in Milan. May God wrap you in his arms during this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Mary J. Grimsley

jual lambert

May 7, 2012

Sheila, Terry, and Shann and all family my prayers
are with you.God bless you all

Kyle and Allison Cook

May 7, 2012

What a good man with such a sweet heart. Our thoughts and prayers are ever with you.

Tommy and Jean Brown

May 7, 2012

Integrity, moral virtue, stout character, devotion to God and family; We consider it both an honor and privilege to know Buford Cook and look forward to that glad reunion day when we see each other once again in the presence of Jesus.

Debbie Self

May 7, 2012

Terry, I just heard about your Dad. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. I only met your Dad a couple of times, but he made a lasting impression. He definitely had a servant's heart that he seems to have passed to you. May God hold your family close during your time of grief.

May 7, 2012

It was such a pleasure to work with Buford (and all his family) in years past --he was dynamic and will be greatly missed . . .
Tilmon & Anne Chamlee, Milledgeville

Sandra Ussery

May 7, 2012

Ms. Sheila, Shann, Terry, Heather, and grandchildren, May God wrap his loving arms around each of you during this very difficult time. Mr. Buford was always such a nice, gracious person and will be greatly missed.
Sandra, Kim, Kimbra, and Kaelen Ussery

patricia smith

May 7, 2012

i am sorry to hear about buford praying for and thinking about your family

Ethel Ann Elton

May 7, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much you will miss him. He was such a good friend to our family, and Bill always enjoyed playing & singing with him. Love to you all

May 7, 2012

You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless all of you! Judy Harris, Doy Thomas, Julie Watkins and Family

Cora & Odia Stanley

May 7, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

May 7, 2012

What a wonderful testimony of a great man's life! Praying for your family.
Trae & Melissa Stewart III

Eric Cravey

May 7, 2012

Sheila, Terry and Shann, my heart goes out to you in this trying time. I send my love from Florida to your family and know he is at peace, to suffer no more. Remember the good times and find strength and comfort from your family, because, in the end, that's all we have.

Diana LeGuin

May 7, 2012

I met Mr. Buford about 4 yrs ago he was such an inspiration and it was always good to see him he was a hard worker. May the lord bless you and your family during these difficult times.

Jan Chapman~Phipps

May 7, 2012

My heart goes out to the family of Mr. Cook. I know they will miss him dearly. Lord, please keep your arms around them all, and let them remember all the sweet and goodness their husband, dad, and granddad did for so many people. Lord, thank you also for the couple of times I got to meet Mr. Cook, and finding out what a wonderful man he was in such a short time.

Maria Tucker

May 7, 2012

So sorry for your loss and praying for you all.

Lori and Joel Holbrook

May 7, 2012

Thoughts and Prayers are with you all. Lori and Joel Holbrook

Kelley Arnold

May 7, 2012

I will remember Mr. Buford exactly the way I met him - and the way he always greeted me on Sunday mornings or around town. With a warm, open smile and gentle handshake. I am praying for you all, for comfort and peace in God's assurances, and sending you my love.

Pat Mathis/Poole

May 7, 2012

Mrs. Shelia and family, Im so sorry for you loss. May your memories bring you comfort in the days and weeks to come. Mr. Buford was a wonderful person and a very valuable asset to our community. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

Joann Selph

May 6, 2012

Shelia, I am so sorry for your loss.Buford and D.W. used to love getting together and sharing tall tales.I think he touched the lives of so many people. Your family will be in my prayers. May God Bless Everyone.

Penny Thigpen

May 6, 2012

I Wish to extend condolences to the family of Mr. Buford Cook. His memories and good deeds will forever be in the hearts of those who were acquainted with him. God Bless the family. Penny (Anderson) Thigpen

Donna Sue Ellison

May 6, 2012

Just reading about Mr. Cook, whom I have never met, I know he is now at peace in the arms of Jesus and an Angel watching over his loved ones. I am praying for all those who are suffering from the loss of this great man.

May 6, 2012

Sheila, Terry, Shann, Heather, and grandchildren: Buford truly loved each of you so much and wanted the very best for each of you. He carried you all in his heart as you will continue to do with him.

I remember so many stories from years ago...he and Willie used to be such good friends. I can still "hear" the church chimes going in the middle of the night when a few young men thought it would be nice to wake up everybody!

Yes, there were hard times in early life but those made each of us the person(s) we are today. I can just imagine that Daddy, Willie, and Buford are making Heaven an even more enjoyable place to be these days!

May God wrap His loving arms around each of you and give you the strength, peace, and comfort that only He can.

Fond memories,

Wayne and Janice Smith Cartwright, Milan, Ga.

May 6, 2012

We are so sorry for your loss.He will surely be missed by all.He was always smiling and had only good things to say about people.We loved him and we love all of you and our prayers are with you.
God bless you,MONTINE Johnson

Ginger Horne

May 6, 2012

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Tracy Jones

May 6, 2012

Mr B, always told the most wonderful stories, The one I loved so much was when he was going down the road and was driving to fast, well he heard his mama tell him to pull over, well he asked her mama is that you and she told him to pull over again, because Mr. B. Always listened to his parents, he pulled over. Well it was just a few minutes later the law passed by, and he realized why she had talked to him. That is one of so many, I could listen to him tell stories all day, I will Miss My Favorite Fella so much, it just breaks my heart. I pray for all his family , I love all of you so much. God comfort you through the days to come

Kimberly Larkey

May 6, 2012

My thoughts and prayers r with this good family.. May god be with u to help u thru this tough time!!

Molly Jeffries

May 6, 2012

My thoughts & prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May God surround you all with comfort and strength.

wilton miles

May 6, 2012

God we lift this family up to you for support.

Cyler & Shalia Jones & family

May 6, 2012

I pray that God will hold you close and comfort you during this time. Please let me know if I can help in any way!Love to you all

Larry & Kaye Lann

May 6, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you durning your time of grief.May God bring you comfort .

Dorothy/Danny Harbin

May 6, 2012

Cook Family. We are sorry to hear of your loss. He was a good friend. We will hold your family in our prayers.I know he will be missed by those that knew him and loved him.

Pat Ennis

May 6, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Melissa Eubanks

May 6, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Steven/Shawna Daniel

May 6, 2012

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Frankie Haring

May 6, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Mitzy/ Glenn Coleman

May 6, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jimmy and Lynette Key-Day

May 6, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

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