Ronald Franklin Cook

Ronald Franklin Cook, 76, of Doerun, died Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at First Baptist Church Doerun, with the Reverend Dr. David Benton officiating. Interment will follow at Cobb/Suncrest Memorial Gardens. Matt Tillery, Drew Tillery, Josh Saunders, Zack Saunders, Shane Saunders, Christian Bostick, and Jack Tillery will all serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. prior to the service at First Baptist Church Doerun.

Born in Moultrie, Georgia, on February 2, 1949, he was the son of the late James Fredrick Cook, Sr. and Doris Price Cook. Ron grew up in Key West, Florida, where he enjoyed the ocean—diving, surfing, and spending time on the sand and sea. After graduating high school, Ron answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Army. He served with courage and distinction in combat during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded multiple honors for his bravery, including the Bronze Star Medal with letter “V” device, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal with Numeral 3, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars, the Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device (1960), and the Sharpshooter Badge with Auto Rifle Bar.

Following his military service, Ron returned home and began a long career at Riverside Manufacturing Company, where he retired after more than thirty years of dedicated service. Known for his selflessness, Ron always placed the needs of others before his own. He was a man of faith and a member of First Baptist Church Doerun.

Ron loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed the art of handcrafting fishing lures, a hobby that brought him joy and connection with nature.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, David Cook; and stepson, Stephen Johnson.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 41 years, Jeannie McCarty Cook; children, Chad Cook (Jennifer); stepchildren, Melonie Johnson Tillery (Greg) and Todd Johnson (Dara); cherished papa to his grandchildren, Kendall Cook, Matt Tillery (Brittnee), Drew Tillery (Merrick), Kate Johnson Bostick (Christian); great-grandchildren, Rhylee Tillery, Jack Tillery, and James Stephen Bostick; brother, James Cook (Nancy); sister, Patricia Cook Saunders; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Home and Crematory.