Charles Benjamin Cook

It is with deep sorrow and enduring pride that we announce the passing of Charles Benjamin “Ben” Cook, beloved son, brother, friend, and United States Marine, whose life was a remarkable journey marked by service, intellect, and quiet determination. He was born on December 5, 1988, and passed away on April 16, 2025, at the age of 36, leaving behind a legacy of courage, curiosity, and love.

From an early age, Ben stood out for his natural gifts. As a member of the Cartersville Twisters gymnastics team from ages 5 to 10, he earned Georgia state championships in both pommel horse and floor exercise. His growing height eventually moved him away from gymnastics, but he carried its discipline into every new challenge.

He was a gifted student in the advanced programs at Cartersville Elementary and Middle School, and a 2007 graduate of Cartersville High School. Alongside his academic achievements, he found joy on the basketball court, playing Junior Varsity basketball for the Cartersville Hurricanes and participating in recreational leagues with his characteristic energy and good humor.

After graduation, Ben enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 2007 to 2011. He deployed to Afghanistan from May 2009 to April 2010 as part of the Marine Expeditionary Brigade, which earned the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism and performance in action against enemy forces. His individual decorations included the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (Afghanistan), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with Bronze Service Star), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, NATO Medal – ISAF Afghanistan, and the Rifle Qualification Badge (Sharpshooter).

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Ben thru-hiked the entire 2,198-mile Appalachian Trail in 2012, traveling solo from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. After completing the hike, he pursued higher education and attended Kennesaw State University, where he furthered his academic interests and continued to grow as an individual.

In his quieter moments, Ben found comfort and companionship in his beloved rescue cat, Gilfoyle. Their bond was deep and meaningful, a quiet reflection of his gentle heart and the loyalty he gave freely to those he loved—human or otherwise.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving mother Susan Cook, father Charles (Buster) Cook, brother Jacob Cook, sister Shelby Cook, and his loyal cat Gilfoyle. He is also remembered with love by a large and devoted extended family, including Shelby and Andy Duffy of Macon, GA, and Robert and Mary Frances Thompson of Perry, GA, as well as many other aunts, uncles, and cousins who were dear to him and who will continue to carry his memory forward.

He was preceded in death by his cherished grandparents Harold and Margaret Cook of Perry, GA, and Walter and Jean Stooksberry of Macon, GA, as well as his aunt, a cousin, and two uncles, whose memories and influence remained with him always.

Ben will be remembered for his intelligence, bravery, humility, and the quiet strength with which he walked through life. His family, friends, fellow Marines, and all those who knew him mourn his passing and celebrate the depth and meaning of the life he lived.

Friends and family are cordially invited to a visitation on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from eleven o'clock until one o'clock in the afternoon at Owen Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at one o'clock in the chapel of Owen Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at Georgia National Cemetery on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at two o'clock in the afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that supports veterans and service members who have been injured in the line of duty.

Semper Fidelis.