THURMOND FRANKLIN COOK

January 28, 1941 - October 9, 2026

Mr. Thurmond Franklin Cook, age 85, of Pilot Mountain, passed away on October 9, 2026 at Northern Regional Hospital in Mount Airy. He was born on January 28, 1941, in Surry County, North Carolina, to the late Alfred and Lillian Cook. Thurmond was known for his sense of humor and for being a devoted father, brother, and friend. He enjoyed gardening, listening to Dolly Parton and Fats Domino, watching Westerns on television, and eating seafood and country cooking. Thurmond had a dedicated career as a farmer, mill employee, and truck driver for Web-Don, Inc., before retiring. Thurmond was a U.S. Army veteran and served briefly in Vietnam. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Angela (Byron) Carson, Betsy (John) Tarn, and Greg (Annette) Cook; son-in-law, Don Lawson; brother, Alvis Cook; grandchildren, Elizabeth Carson, Hall Carson, JT Tarn, Trenton Tarn, Lauren (Mike) Haywood, Donna Bledsoe, Christopher (Amanda) Cook, Corrine Cook, and Carmen (Micah) Chamberlain; 11 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, RoseAnn Bullington. In addition to his parents, Mr. Cook was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Needham Cook; brother, Raybon Cook; sister, Vernie Marshall; daughter, Vicki Lawson; son, James Christopher “Butch” Cook; and grandson, Patrick Cook. Thurmond’s family would like to thank the staff of Central Continuing Care in Mount Airy and Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care for the loving care and compassion they showed Thurmond (“T-Man”) and his family during his stay there. “You’re not just a caregiver—you are fulfilling the laws of Christ. You are being the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus to another person in need.” — Karen Ellis. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, P.O. Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017, or Disabled American Veterans at help.dav.org Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy has been entrusted with the arrangements.