Jerry Gale Cook

Columbia, South Carolina - Jerry Gale Cook, 87, of Columbia, SC, died peacefully at home while surrounded by his family, on March 17, 2021. Born January 8, 1934 in Stephens County, Oklahoma, he was the son of the late Paul R. Cook and Luella Anderson. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brother, Glenn Dale Cook.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Cook; children, Karen Russ (Darren), Steve Cook (Renee), Mindy Cook and Shannon Cook; grandchildren, Joseph Russ (Rosie), Brian Cook (Leslie), Sean Cook (Kaitlin) and Cody Cook; great-grandchildren, Jackson Cook, Elizabeth Cook, Anderson Cook and Molly Cook.

During the difficult time of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, at the age of seven, Jerry relocated to Melrose, New Mexico with his mother and older brother Glenn to live close to his maternal grandparents. When not in school or playing sports, Jerry spent his time hunting for small game and tending the family garden. He also helped his grandfather maintain a small farm. At the age of 16, he acquired his first paying job as a Morse Code Operator for the Santa Fe Railroad. During the summer months, he worked construction jobs building massive grain elevators as far away as Kansas.

Upon graduation from Melrose High School in 1952, he was inducted into the U.S. Air Force and was assigned to England where he met the love of his life and future wife Betty. Jerry served in the Air Force for four years before returning to New Mexico. After a short period of civilian life, he joined the U.S. Army and served as a non-commissioned officer for several years before attending Officer Candidate School (OCS). He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on June 22, 1967 upon OCS graduation. He served in Vietnam in 1968 – 1969 and eventually settled in Columbia after his final Army assignment at Fort Jackson, S.C. He retired from the Army as a captain, in June 1974 after over 20 years of military service. He and Betty often said that their “army years” were some of the best of their lives.

Jerry’s military awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd AWD), Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal (1 OLC), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/DVC 60, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon.

Jerry graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Arts degree in August 1970 and from Pepperdine University with a Master of Arts degree in Planning and Public Administration in August 1977.

After Army retirement, Jerry was hired by South Carolina Attorney General Dan McLeod in 1974 to manage federal law enforcement grants for the Office and the sixteen circuit solicitor offices in South Carolina. According to his leadership, Jerry’s demeanor, military experience, organized manner and trustworthiness made him particularly well suited for his dealings with the Governor’s Office, solicitors, county councils and the Attorney General. In 1980 he trained himself on the Office’s first personal computer and designed its first budget projection spreadsheet. In 1981 he became the assistant director of administration for the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office with primary responsibility for accounting, budget and grants. In 1983 Jerry visited the Virginia Attorney General’s Office as part of new Attorney General Medlock’s thorough review of all Office administration. And in 1989 he developed the confidential accounting records systems needed for the new South Carolina State Grand Jury and negotiated their compliance and implementation with the state Auditor, Comptroller General, Treasurer, the Clerk of Court and the Chief Deputy for the State Grand Jury. Always amicable and never a yes man, his knowledge and integrity were respected by the senior staffs of the offices of the Attorney General, State Auditor, State Budget Office, Comptroller General and Treasurer. When Jerry spoke, others listened. Former Attorney General Travis Medlock summed it up recently when he said, “A very quiet and unassuming gentleman who was a great asset for the AG’s Office”. Jerry retired in 1995 and took great pride in his work for Attorneys General Dan McLeod and Travis Medlock.

He was an avid Gamecock fan who enjoyed many seasons of all sporting events. Friends and family tailgate gatherings were greatly enjoyed in years passed. Jerry was a great lover of rescue animals especially his loyal companion shepherd mix Charlie.

Jerry was a man of strong faith in God who loved his country, the state of South Carolina and his family. He was truly a self- made man who survived the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and service in Vietnam. Upon his passing, one of his grandsons stated, “His work ethic instilled in my father is not lost on my brothers and I, and our family would be nothing had he chosen at any point to just give up.” His son in law recently said of Dad “You always see the good in everything and everyone. Unbridled devotion to your country and friends, but most importantly your family is your hallmark. Your organization and meticulous attention to detail was recognized as your signature.”

Jerry Cook was a great man who is dearly loved by his family and will be missed beyond words. Our comfort is in knowing that we will see him again in glory.

A funeral service will be held at the Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC 29229 at 12 p.m. on Friday, March 26, 2021.

Please send donations, in lieu of flowers, to Jerry’s favorite charity, Howlmore Animal Sanctuary, PO Box 61128, Columbia, SC 29260.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com