Ted H Cook

Ted Cook passed away on December 31, 2020 at the age of 85. He was born in Ft. Payne, AL, raised on a farm and graduated from Valley Head High School. After graduation, eager to follow in the footsteps of his uncles, Ted enlisted in the Navy and served from June 1954-July 1959. While in the Navy, and stationed in Pensacola, FL., Ted met and married Patricia Jerome. In the early 1960’s, Ted and Pat moved to Alabama eventually settling in Gadsden, AL. Ted worked as an X-ray technician at Holy Name of Jesus Hospital where he was promoted to Chief of X-ray Department. In the late 1970’s, Ted was offered the opportunity to administrate a local nursing, one of many he would own and turn into a family business. Ted enjoyed working with all his employees and had a fondness for his residents.

Unafraid of hard work, Ted put himself through night school while working full time as an x-ray technician at Holy Name of Jesus Hospital and starting a family. He graduated from Gadsden State Junior College with an associate degree, and continued his education at Jacksonville State University earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Business.

Ted and his wife Patricia raised 12 children and he unabashedly doted on them all. He considered his family his greatest accomplishment.

Ted had a passion for sailing and boating and in his later years enjoyed gardening and bird watching.

Ted is preceded in death by his parents Edna Kean and Gordon Cook; Patricia Jerome, his son, Ryan Cook and his grandson, Eric Champion. He is survived by his sons: Andy (Suzie), Mark (Robbie),

T.C. (Lisa), and Patrick (Maria) and daughters: Stacy (Bink) Green, Gina (Steve) Gilbert, Stephanie Cook, Julie (Rick) Gilson, Rosie (Bill) Arnett, Mary Beth (Rob) Howland and Jennifer Mattingly, as well as 25 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

There will be a Celebration of his life held at Collier Butler Friday, January 22nd 5-7 pm and a Memorial Mass for the family will be said at St. James Catholic Church, January 23rd, beginning at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family is kindly requesting any donations to be made to St. James Catholic School.