John E. Cook

''Another Marine reporting sir. I've spent my time in hell.''

PAWLEYS ISLAND | John Dean E. ''Cookie'' Cook, 73, passed away with courage and dignity following a lengthy illness on Thursday, July 24, 2008 surrounded by his family.

Born in 1935 in Carthage, New York, he was a former resident of Trenton and Mercerville, N.J. John served his country as a U.S. Marine in the Korean War. Following his service, he began a 37 and a half year career with General Motors, Fisher Body Plant. Upon his retirement he and his wife of 52 years, Sheila, moved first to Myrtle Beach, and finally to Pawleys Island.

Survivors include the love of his life, his wife, Sheila; three daughters and sons-in-law, Renee and John Siderio of Ala., Dina Carney of Lawrenceville, N.J., and Sherry and Kenneth McLaughlin of Port Orange, Fla.; six grandchildren, Jennifer Konnight of Redondo Beach, Calif., Chelsie Carney of New Castle, Del., Stone Carney of Lawrenceville, N.J., and Melissa Jones, Kyle McLaughlin, and Craig McLaughlin, all of Port Orange, Fla.; one great-granddaughter, Alexis Jones of Port Orange, Fla.; his aunt, Eva Neuls of Levittown, Pa.; five brothers-in-law; four sisters-in-law; and his four legged constant companion, Zack.

Those privileged enough to have known John learned that to him helping others, paying it forward, and family were what life was all about. In life he was everyone's saint, and in death he will forever be our guardian angel.

Oorah.

In lieu of flowers and in keeping with his giving nature, please send donations to the Francis Ford Cancer Treatment Center, 2485 N. Fraser St., Georgetown, SC 29440.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Litchfield-Pawleys Chapel.

A guest book is available at goldfinchfuneralhome.com or at MyrtleBeachOnline.com.

Goldfinch Funeral Home, Litchfield-Pawleys Chapel, is assisting the family.