Obituary for Willie George COOK
Navy veteran Willie “George” transitioned from this life peacefully at his home at the age of 71 after a lengthy illness. George was born in Sycamore, Alabama on July 31st to Willie L. and Lula Thomas Cook. As a very young boy, George moved to Dayton, Ohio with his family where he was raised. George was an avid music lover, especially jazz music.
A graduate of Jefferson Township Senior High School class of 1969, George pursued his passion for music by attending Central State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. He mastered several instruments including all woodwinds, many brass instruments, the violin, bass guitar, piano, and organ. George used his degrees to educate young people about music within in the Dayton Public School System until he fully retired.
George was preceded in death by his father Willie Lee Cook, brother Bruce K. Cook, stepfather Grant Smith, and son Brandon L. Cook. George is survived by two daughters, Samantha (Lawrence) Sumlin, and Josephine (Maurice) Walker. Two sons, George A. Cook, and Joseph (Alexandra) Cook. Five grandchildren, Elijah Lawrence Sumlin, Zhane McDonald, Marsalis McDonald, Elijah Wyatt Walker, Malachi Walker, and one great grandson Noah Ward. The second eldest of nine children, George is also survived by his loving mother Lula L. Smith, five sisters, Dimple (Galen) Drake, Michelle Y. Ringer, Tammy (Steven) Sanders, Tina (Cedric) Jones, and Ashley Smith. Two brothers, Thomas G. “Tommye” Smith, and Alan (Terese) Smith. George was blessed with a host of nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be held on March 17, 2023, at the Thomas Funeral Home & Crematory, 4520 Salem Ave., Trotwood, OH 45416. The family will receive friends and guests from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The memorial service will begin promptly at 11:00 AM. Reverend Rodney Cranford Sr., officiating. Interment at the Dayton National Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.thomasfunerals.com; virtual streaming link available.
Virtual streaming:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87369569656?pwd=d0E1SVhkdFZlM2M3ZnlpTFBsTlJtUT09
Meeting ID: 873 6956 9656
Passcode: 428146
A graduate of Jefferson Township Senior High School class of 1969, George pursued his passion for music by attending Central State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. He mastered several instruments including all woodwinds, many brass instruments, the violin, bass guitar, piano, and organ. George used his degrees to educate young people about music within in the Dayton Public School System until he fully retired.
George was preceded in death by his father Willie Lee Cook, brother Bruce K. Cook, stepfather Grant Smith, and son Brandon L. Cook. George is survived by two daughters, Samantha (Lawrence) Sumlin, and Josephine (Maurice) Walker. Two sons, George A. Cook, and Joseph (Alexandra) Cook. Five grandchildren, Elijah Lawrence Sumlin, Zhane McDonald, Marsalis McDonald, Elijah Wyatt Walker, Malachi Walker, and one great grandson Noah Ward. The second eldest of nine children, George is also survived by his loving mother Lula L. Smith, five sisters, Dimple (Galen) Drake, Michelle Y. Ringer, Tammy (Steven) Sanders, Tina (Cedric) Jones, and Ashley Smith. Two brothers, Thomas G. “Tommye” Smith, and Alan (Terese) Smith. George was blessed with a host of nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be held on March 17, 2023, at the Thomas Funeral Home & Crematory, 4520 Salem Ave., Trotwood, OH 45416. The family will receive friends and guests from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The memorial service will begin promptly at 11:00 AM. Reverend Rodney Cranford Sr., officiating. Interment at the Dayton National Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.thomasfunerals.com; virtual streaming link available.
Virtual streaming:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87369569656?pwd=d0E1SVhkdFZlM2M3ZnlpTFBsTlJtUT09
Meeting ID: 873 6956 9656
Passcode: 428146