Thomas Ross Cook

October 17, 2018

Thomas Ross Cook, age 71, passed away at home on October 17, 2018.  Tom was born September 30, 1947, son of Virginia Murray Cook and Wilbur Allen Cook. 

Tom grew up in Charlotte, graduated from Myers Park High School in 1965 and attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.  Tom proudly served his country during the Tet Offensive of the Vietnam War as a soldier in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge October 2, 1972. 

Tom thought of himself as an everyday guy, one who had people and things he loved in life.  He loved his family, church, and friends.  He was a member of First Presbyterian Church for 30 years and served as a faithful Deacon and Elder.  He enjoyed volunteering for soundboard duty and was a proponent of the Television Ministry. 

Tom was instrumental in reactivating Boy Scout Troop 16 at First Presbyterian.  He would be the first to admit he pushed the rules, but he believed scouts should have a good time and should also aim high, for the rank of Eagle, which many accomplished.  He loved baseball and thought the best game in town was only as far as the nearest little league field.  Tom served his community as a Little League coach for many years and member of the Board of Myers Park Trinity Little League.  Tom was a generous father and he was grateful to have coached all three of his sons and proud of their participation in the sport.  

Golfing with friends at Cedarwood Country Club was a favorite pastime.  Tom liked the beauty of a golf course.  While he didn’t take his golf game too seriously, he did relish scoring a hole-in-one several years ago.  

Tom spent his career in industrial sales.  He enjoyed small business and in 1997 began building Safety Resource, Inc.  He brought his adult sons into the business where he served as President until his death. 

Tom is survived by his wife of 40 years, Glenna Davenport Cook; sons, Thomas Ross Cook, Jr.  and his wife, Elizabeth and granddaughter Evans; Trevor Allen Cook, and his wife, Susannah and granddaughter, Lila; and Coleman Fleming Cook, all of Charlotte; sisters, Mary Cook Mills and Patricia Cook Kallam; brothers, Wilbur Allen Cook, Jr.  and William Allen Cook; nieces and nephews, Nolan Mills, Lee Ham, Debra Kallam, Mark Kallam, Katie McKay and Carson Reis; uncle, Ross Stanley Murray, wife Merry of San Diego; and numerous great nieces and nephews.     

A memorial service to celebrate Tom’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church.  The family will receive friends in the Wood Fellowship Hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church Television Ministry, 200 West Trade Street, Charlotte NC 28202 or Myers Park Trinity Little League at mptll.org

 Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

 

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  • Helen & Perry sowell

    To the entire Cook family;y, all of the sowell’s are so saddened to hear of sweet tom’s passing....he made an indelible mark on Pete’s life. Through Troop 16 and I know Pete will be one the first in line to welcome Tom to heaven.

    We are thinking of you

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  • Annie Dickinson

    On behalf of Tom’s neighbors in Amherst Green, I send our condolences to all of Tom’s family. I knew him slightly, as did others. We wish that he could have had better health while with us. He was a wonderful addition to our neighborhood and we are saddened by his departure. May he Rest In Peace.

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  • Brian Carey

    I worked with Tom for many years at SAFECO. He was a true professional and a legend in our industry. My prayers go out to Glenna and the family. He will be missed by so many.

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  • Linda Nordman Smith

    My heartfelt prayers are with the entire family! So sad to hear this and pray the Lord Jesus will comfort you and wrap HIS loving arms around each one of you! Tommy was a sweet classmate of mine at Myers Park High School. AlwAys a smile on his face and friendly. Sincerely. Linda

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  • Gordon Saussy

    My prayers reach out to Tommy's family.. God bless you all and carry you.

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  • Jack Pridgen

    I want to express my sincerest condolences to the Cook family for your loss. When I think of Tom Cook, I think of a man with a warm smile and a big heart. I have so many fond memories of Mr. Cook from my childhood, especially as a scout with Troop 16. My thoughts and prayers are with the Cook family during this difficult time.

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