July 3, 2026, 85, Pikeville – Robert “Bob” Ray Cook has parked his Gator, closed the doors to his shop and gone fishing for the final time. In the early morning hours of Friday, July 3rd, he quietly drifted off to sleep and heard the call of his Lord and Savior say, “Well done my good & faithful servant.”
Robert was born Oct 7, 1940 in Middletown, Ohio to the late Sheldon and Thelma cook. Robert was the baby of 3 with 2 older sisters, the late Bonnie & Gail. He was a momma’s boy and took exceptional care of her until her death at 104 years old.
Robert was an Airforce man through and through, joining at the young age of 22. He was cross trained but quickly found a passion in ammo & missiles. Over his 20 year career, he would have several opportunities to travel the world; spending time in New Mexico, Thailand, Germany, France, Korea and Vietnam.
He was an expert in his field, becoming an ammo & missile supervisor. Over his career in the Airforce, he would go onto receive several Airforce accommodation medals, including the Presidential Unit Citation, Airforce Outstanding Unit award, National Defense Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksman, Airforce Longevity, Gold Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal including a Bronze Star.
After his completion of his 20 year career, he worked as a civil service at Seymour Johnson Airforce Base in the Wood Hobby Shop with his close friends, Darrell Passer and Joe Van Norman.
Robert took great pride in being asked to complete special projects in the Wood Shop; like the Commander’s conference table, special awards or retirement plaques for fellow airmen.
After civil service, he would go on to start a 2nd career working as a technician for Toyota becoming the first master mechanic on the East Coast.
Upon retiring, Robert enjoyed his time around the farm and working in his shop. His friends were always welcomed to come by and work on different projects or simply just sit around, have a drink and help to solve all the world’s problems. Additionally, he enjoyed spending time with his fancy chickens and Japanese pheasants or digging up a few fishing worms and sitting on the deck at the pond waiting on a fish to bite. If he wasn’t outside in nature, he enjoyed working on cars and was an avid classic car enthusiast and devoted every Sunday afternoon to watching the NASCAR races on TV.
Robert would marry the love of his life, Joanne, in 1979 in Homestead, Florida. Later that year, they would have a beautiful blue-eyed girl that would be the apple of Robert’s eye that would carry his name. Robert and Joanne’s love was obvious to everyone they were a match made in heaven; playing doubles darts & winning state tournaments. Robert took great pride in striking up a game of darts and showing you how to win with 3 sharpened pencils. On Robert and Joanne’s down time, you could find them on the water, enjoying the sun & fishing.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Joanne Cook. His daughter, Bobbie Sullivan & husband Rev. Jeff Sullivan, step-daughter, Lori Michaels as well as 9 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, a special niece Becky Cope & husband Pat, a nephew Eddie Baker along with special friends; Charles (Chub) & Sherri Person, Cyril (Stick) Broom, Joe Van Norman, Kevin Morton, Kevin Tenney, Mike Hayes, Soloman May, Winnie Hubbard & life long friends Billy & Peggy Burton.
A service to celebrate Robert’s life will be held on Thursday, July 9th at 6:30pm at Pikeville Church. Family and friends will be received 30 minutes prior and after the service.
Memorials to honor Robert’s life may be made to the National Cancer Society/ ECU Pitt County.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.evergreenmemorialservice.com
Arrangements & florals are being entrusted to Floral Design at Evergreen (919) 739-0077.
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