Harrell E. "Buddy" Cook, Jr.

Harrell Eugene “Buddy” Cook, Jr, of Saucier, Mississippi, transitioned to his heavenly home on June 5, 2024, in D’Iberville, Mississippi. Buddy was born in Montgomery, Alabama, November 30, 1953, to the late Rev’s. Harrell E and Joyce E (Thomas) Cook.  From the earliest days of his life, Buddy always had a flair for being whimsical and amusing.  He first became known for his signature coon skin hat that he sported as a toddler. This was just the beginning of his colorful personality and humorous nature.

Growing up in Fort Myers, Florida Buddy attended Tice Elementary, Lee Jr High and Fort Myers Sr High schools.  Following high school Buddy became an apprentice carpenter and honed his carpentry skills throughout his life to become known as a master of his trade.  His specialty was custom high-end staircases, mantels, furniture grade built-ins and elaborate trim finishes.  The mark of his artistic work still stands today all over the Mississippi Gulf Coast in many of the finest homes built during the 1990’s – 2010’s.  One of his greatest points of pride was in mentoring and training his nephews, cousins and a few other young men in the fine art of woodworking. His touch for the exquisite will live on through them.

Buddy loved fishing and was an expert Snook fisherman and was called “Uncle Snook” by many family and friends.  He had a passion for collecting knives, antique carpentry tools and old fishing reels & lures. But his biggest collection was that of jokes! The man had jokes, especially Boudreaux jokes.  He was extremely well-read and loved books, music and his old flat top guitar that he’d strum to the likes of Jimmy, Bonnie and Prine.

The Florida Gators football and Atlanta Braves baseball were two of Buddy’s favorite sports teams.  However, his favorite athletes were his great nephews - Colby, Cannon, Jackson and John Lowry – and he followed their baseball playing closely from T-ball to college.

Most importantly, Buddy loved the Lord and enjoyed old gospel songs which he was still able to sing while in hospice care.  Our hearts are at peace knowing he has made it home to heaven.

Harrell E. “Buddy” Cook, Jr is survived by his sisters, Teresa (Rev. Jeffrey) Ulmer, Tamera (Steven) Farabee, niece Holly (Michael) Wilson, nephew Rev. Jeremy (Kasie) Ulmer, nephew Rev. Joseph (LeAira) Farabee, great nephews Colby & Cannon Wilson, Jackson & John Lowry Ulmer and great niece Georgia Hope Ulmer, the apple of his eye.  He will also be sorely missed by his road trip buddy and aunt, Sara Thomas, along with a large extended family and many beloved cousins.  He is preceded in death by his parents Rev. Harrell E & Rev. Joyce E Cook and great nephew Judson Lee Ulmer.

The family would like to thank Ochsner Health, New Orleans - Neurology Department, Greenbriar Nursing Center, D’Iberville & Vital Caring Hospice for their expert and compassionate care during Buddy’s brief illness following his brain cancer diagnosis on May 14, 2024.  They each and every one loved and cared for Buddy to ensure that his journey home was peaceful and painless.  We are forever grateful.

Buddy will be laid to rest, on June 14, 2024, next to his beloved parents, at Floral Hills Cemetery in Gulfport, Mississippi following a service at Riemann’s Family Funeral Home on Three Rivers, Gulfport, Mississippi. Service times – Visitation 10 am, Service 11 am.  

“As I was shaving this morning, it occurred to me that mirrors sure ain’t what they used to be” …. Buddy Cook (Jan 2024)