"Joe" Carlos Jerome Cook

Carlos Jerome “Joe” Cook

1933-2019

Joe Cook, 85, of Daniels, WV passed peacefully surrounded by family on October 8th, 2019. Joe was born on October 26th, 1933 in Wyoming County, West Virginia.

He was the son of the late Fred Cook and Ona Miller-Cook. Joe was preceded in death by two brothers, Jerry and Perry, and an ex-wife Wilma Cook.

Survivors include children Rochelle Cook-Joy and husband Mickey Joy of South Carolina, Joel Cook and wife Beverly Cook of Beckley, WV and Callie Ann Tautee Cook of Morgantown, two brothers, Frank Kirby and Michael Cook, as well as five sisters, Barbara (Bob) Halstead, Ruth (Roy) Dowell, Juanita (Roy) Barber, Joan(Danny) Pack and Jean Lester. Joe is also survived by five grandchildren, Ben Ahmed, Soraya Ahmed, Farrah Ahmed, Claire Cook and Hayden Cook and two great grandchildren, Emma and Abe Ahmed, his friend and former spouse, Rexanna Noble, his sisters-in-law Helen Cook and Joyce Cook and several special nieces and nephews.

Growing up in the coal fields of West Virginia had its trials, but Joe was determined to lead a life of service. He often reminisced of his younger days, telling stories and making jokes. In 1951 Joe joined the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War. After leaving the military in 1955 Joe pursued an education at Morris Harvey College in Charleston, WV where he received his undergraduate degree in Education.

Beckley held a special place in Joe’s heart. After obtaining a master’s degree from Marshall University in Huntington, WV Joe moved back to Beckley where he taught for thirty-five years at Beckley College, now WVU Institute of Technology. Teaching was not Joe’s only passion - he also loved to coach. Joe earned the name “Coach” while at Beckley College where he coached men’s basketball for 18 years. He was honored as WV College Coach of the Year for the 1974-1975 year by the West Virginia Sportswriters Association.  In 1968 Joe was selected as one of the top 15 coaches in the WVIAC.  

After leaving Beckley College in 1994, Joe went on to earn his real estate appraisers license and began his own business, Cook Appraisal Company where he provided real estate appraisal services in southern West Virginia for over 25 years.  Many people were mentees of Joe and looked up to his wisdom and problem-solving views. Joe always asked why and taught all “don’t believe everything you hear.”

Joe’s accomplishments are long listed. His vigor for life and living was unmatchable. He exercised faithfully and was an avid supporter of several organizations and charities for the underprivileged.  Joe was a complex yet simple man who loved his family, hiking, fishing, history, and reading. He thoroughly enjoyed the quietness of “The Farm” and a bowl of cornbread with buttermilk at the end of the day.

 He would say, “I am my best company.”

His family invites you to join them in honoring and celebrating Joe’s life.  A memorial service will be held at Melton Mortuary, Harper Road, Beckley WV on Saturday October 19th from 3-5pm.  Please feel free to share with us your “Joe” or “Coach” stories during this memorial.

The family is asking all donations be sent to United Way.

110 Croft St.

Beckley, WV 25801

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