Howard Talley Cook, Sr.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Howard Talley Cook, Sr. on October 7, 2024, at his home in Scottsburg, VA with his wife by his side. He was 81 years old. Talley was born on March 5, 1943, in Hampton, VA. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Talley Cook; father, Howard Dolphus Cook; son, Howard Talley “Tal” Cook, Jr.; and brother-in-law, John Carroll “Jack” Pope.  Talley graduated from Fork Union Military Academy, achieving the rank of captain. He proudly served with the Hampton Fire Department for twenty years and later worked for Anheuser Busch in Williamsburg before retiring to his beloved farm in Scottsburg.  A devoted community member, Talley was involved with the Golden Eagle NRA, served as a Master Instructor for the Hunter Education Association, and was a member of the Rocky Mountain Elks, Buckmasters, and many other organizations. He also enjoyed being a past member of the Hampton Yacht Club. Being a member of Fork Baptist Church in Scottsburg, he served as chairman of the remodeling committee.  He also volunteered for events such as the Norfolk Harborfest. 

Talley cherished time spent with family and friends, and he had a deep love for his dog, Peanut.  He enjoyed hunting, boating, and giving back to his community. He is remembered for his warm personality, kindness, and willingness to help others, always making time to connect with everyone he met. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Dianne; sister, Elizabeth “Bettyrene” Pope; daughter, Amy Driscoll (Kenny); son, James “Jay” Cook (Julia); granddaughters, Courtney Thompson (Mike), Tiffany Gregerson (Eric), Jadyn Cook, and Kalia Cook; grandson, Richard “Bodie” Driscoll; great-grandson, John Wyatt Thompson; and numerous cousins and friends.

A visitation will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. The service will start at 11:00 a.m., with a reception immediately following at Fork Baptist Church, 5208 Falkland Road, Scottsburg, VA 24589.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Talley’s name may be made to Halifax County Volunteer Rescue Squad, 700 Hamilton Blvd., South Boston VA 24592, the Alzheimer’s  Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., FL17, Chicago, IL 60601, and the American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.

 Online condolences may be directed to www.powellfuneralinc.com or by visiting their Facebook page.

 Arrangements have been entrusted with Powell Funeral Home, Wilborn Ave., South Boston, VA