He was the 5th generation of his family to live in Graves County. He grew up in the south part of the county in the Boydsville community, where he learned to hunt and fish at a young age. He developed a love of the outdoors that remained through his entire life. He attended Sedalia High School where he played basketball and still holds the record for most points scored in a single game. A few months after graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, and they built a life together that lasted over 70 years. He had a great love for family, community and country. He was a charter member of the Sedalia Lions Club and received many awards over the years. The Governor of Kentucky proclaimed him a Kentucky Colonel in 1987 as a result of his hard work. George served his country in the US Army and was assigned to the military police in Hawaii. After retiring from the Western Kentucky Gas Company, he enjoyed the extra time with his family and friends. He was a long-time member of the Sedalia United Methodist Church and Burnett’s Chapel United Methodist Church.
George is survived by his wife of 71 years, Jo Hicks Cook; one daughter, Kimberly (Hal) Wheeler of Lynnville, KY; three grandchildren, Beth (Les) Madden, Jamie Wheeler, and Kyle Wheeler; seven great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Max Wheeler Cook and his parents, Marshall Max and Karl Wheeler Cook.
Funeral services for Mr. George Robert Cook will be 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Byrn Funeral Home in Mayfield, KY. Rev. Kenny Locke will officiate. Interment will follow at Burnett’s Chapel Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be conducted by American Legion Post #26.
Pallbearers will be Kyle Wheeler, Kendall Wheeler, Randy Cook, Marc Cook, Seth Harrell and Mike Boyd.
Visitation will be 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.
The family has requested that expressions of sympathy be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.