William Ernest "Billy" Cooke

October 5, 1954 – December 24, 2025

William "Billy" Cooke, 71, went home to be with the Lord on Christmas Eve Day. He had his beloved wife and daughter by his side. Billy was born in Johnston County to the late Johnny Dwight & Virginia Hunter Cooke. He had a great smile and was a loving husband and father. He retired from the Johnston County Government where he worked as a building and ground keeper. He worked many years with ST Wooten Corp as a front end loader operator , supervisor and truck driver , in his later years he worked with Eagle Rock Concrete as a loader operator. He had a passion for driving trucks, running and hauling equipment and farming which he was able to do his entire life. He was a man of many words , never knew a stranger . In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Johnny Cooke

He is survived by his wife, Charlene Carlyle Cooke, daughter, Heather Cooke, his beloved dog Joey , sister-in-law, Olivia Cooke, several nieces, nephews, and beloved family members.

Billy was a simple man so we ask that everyone dress casual , for those who knew him he was not a suit man.

We would like to thank Dr. Renee Watson and her staff for many years of providing for Billy, Heartland hospice for their care and compassion.

Flowers welcome , family will receive family and friends other times at the home 2209 NC 231 hwy, Wendell, NC.

Visitation will 2 pm – 3pm, Sunday, Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory with the funeral to follow at 3 pm in the Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel, 211 W. Third St., Wendell. www.stricklandfuneral.com