Robert Leonidus "Bob" Cook Jr.

Surrounded by his loving family, Bob Cook completed his earthly work on October 29, 2025. He was born August 5, 1939, in Salisbury, North Carolina to the late Ruth Camp Cook and Robert Leonidus Cook, Sr.

Bob grew up on Maupin Avenue with his older sister Barbara and graduated in 1957 from Boyden High School, where he played basketball and baseball. He continued his education at Davidson College, graduating in 1961 with a BA in Economics, distinguishing himself with the A.K. Phifer Award. After ROTC at Davidson, Bob served in the Army as an officer for 2 years active duty and 4 years in the reserves.

In 1960, Bob met the love of his life Sara DuBose at Flora-McDonald. Bob and Sara, holding hands on the first date, felt a spark, and saying “I do” in 1962 meant 63 wonderful years of marriage, holding hands up to the very end. Bob and Sara built a beautiful family with two sons, Allen and John, two daughters-in-law, Michelle and Susannah, four grandchildren, Christopher, Carter, Jack, and Addie-Grace, along with great-grandson Wilson.

In 1965, Bob followed his grandfather and father into the family's shoe repair findings business in Salisbury, J.H. Cook and Sons, where he would work faithfully for over 50 years, passing the business on to son Allen. Bob loved to be holed up in his office working away, and while exacting, he was beloved by his coworkers.

In truth, Bob Cook had two loves - work and family - “and the greatest of these” was family. Loving his family - caring and providing for and spending time with his family - brought him great joy, especially times at the beach, mountains, or The River. Family, to Bob, also meant extended family - his sister, brothers-in law, in-laws, nephews, nieces, sisters-in law, and friends that were family by devotion. Be it as Bobby-C, UB, or Uncle Bob, he was beloved.

Bob was caring, giving, gracious, honest, humble, kind, and loving. A gentle-man, he was whip smart with a keen wit. His hobbies included birding, reading, working, finances, friendships, Duke basketball, his papers, and Sara. In retirement, he and Sara did everything together. They enjoyed thoroughly their retirement years in the Trinity Oaks Community.

Bob and Sara made a “moving force” for good in our community (2005 Hood Seminary Bishop's Award). Teamed with Sara's public persona, big heart, and commitment to change, Bob was the silent partner, head cheerleader, and faithful philanthropist. Together their unassuming Christian witness was bright, making for powerful change across our community.

Sara and Bob's son Allen DuBose Cook preceded him in death, along with his sister Barbara Cook Cubbage. Bob is survived by his wife: Sara DuBose Cook. His children: John Robert Cook (Susannah) of Columbia, SC and Michelle Eaves Cook of Salisbury. His grandchildren: Christopher Allen Cook (Taylor) and John Carter Cook - both of Salisbury; John “Jack” Hager Cook of Washington, DC and Addie-Grace DuBose Cook of Columbia. His great-grandson: Wilson Allen Cook.

A service of worship giving witness to the resurrection and celebrating the life of Bob Cook will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7 at First Presbyterian Church, Salisbury, 308 West Fisher Street.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Salisbury; Catawba College; or Hood Theological Seminary.

The family thanks the caring staff at Novant Heart Hospital (Charlotte), Kiser Hospice House (Salisbury), Dr. Myron Goodman, Dr. Chet Amin, and all the family and friends who supported and cared for Bob his lifelong.

Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Cook family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.