Dewey Wayne Cook

Dewey “Wayne” Cook, age 76, of Danville, Virginia passed away on March 22, 2024, at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina surrounded by loved ones and friends. 

Wayne was born on March 29, 1947, in Danville, Virginia to the late Dewey Washington Cook and Edna Garrett Cook. In his early years, Wayne enjoyed playing local sports such as softball and basketball as well as spending time with his siblings, a brother and two sisters.

He married his high school sweetheart, Linda Kaye Gilbert, who was the love of his life for over 52 years.   Early in their courtship, Wayne served his country proudly from 1968 – 1973 as a Sargeant in the US Army earning multiple honors including a Vietnam service medal with four bronze stars.   Following his honorable discharge, he began his career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. He lived most of his life in Danville through retirement after spending 30 years at Miller Coors in Eden, NC.

When he wasn’t working at the plant, you would find Wayne on the baseball field with his two sons, Brian and Andy.  Wayne coached countless Little League and American Legion teams.  He found his joy in both his marriage and fatherhood with a sports acumen that never stopped growing.  He followed Alabama football and Kentucky, Duke, and Hargrave basketball with a passion.  

In addition to sports, Wayne loved to travel with his wife, Linda, be it to baseball games across the east coast, the beach, tourist towns across the country, the Bahamas, and Hawaii.   It’s hard to remember any part of the year when Wayne didn’t have a tan!  Before moving to Charlotte, Wayne continued to light up the lives of strangers as a driver for Boomerang Transport taking patients to their medical appointments. Wayne was an active attender at Union Church in Danville where his nephew pastors.   Most recently he spent Sundays in Charlotte attending StoneBridge Church.  

Throughout his entire life, Wayne never met a stranger.  He built lifelong relationships with those who crossed his path and poured deeply into others.  In the last two years, he has built some of his favorite relationships living at the Sage.   He quickly learned everyone’s name, became a Blackjack victor, had regular dinner and breakfast outings with anyone who could join, claimed his favorite chair at the community pool, and organized morning coffee dates in the lobby that became the highlight of his days! Fitting that he earned the nickname “Mr. Sage,” as all who live there knew they could count on Wayne to brighten their life with his ever-present smile and genuine kindness.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Dewey, and mother, Edna, his wife Linda, and his sister, Patsy (Bob), and his brothers-in-law, Bob and Jimmy.

He is survived by his son, Brian Cook (Eve) of Roanoke, VA, Andy Cook (Katie) of Huntersville, NC, and his grandchildren Kaleb, Kyle, Laine, Kamden, Myers, Banks, Crews and Livie Kate, all of whom he adored and cherished. Survivors also include his sister, Reva (Jimmy), brother Larry (Pam), and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at 3:30PM with a Celebration of Life led by Pastor Adam Cook immediately following at 4pm at Raymer Kepner Funeral Home: 16901 Old Statesville Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. All are invited to attend a reception in Wayne’s honor at the Sage, 9246 Highland Creek Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28269 following the service.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Union Church, 810 Main St, Danville, VA 24541.