George Frank Cook

George Frank Cook passed away on July 9, 2016. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on November 25, 1923 to George F. and Marie Cook. He was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Jane Elizabeth LeMaster, his parents, and a brother and sister. At an early age, George and his family moved to Richmond, Virginia. In 1939, he was in a Civilian Conservation Corps camp in Chesterfield, Virginia. He enlisted in the Virginia National Guard in 1940 when he was 16 years old. The Guard was called into federal service in 1941 and George was sent to Fort Meade, Maryland, where he was in a motorcycle company.

George served in the 29th Division, the 82nd Airborne and two ordinance companies. He participated in the Normandy D-Day Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. George earned five Bronze Battle Stars, along with other decorations. After the war, he graduated from Memphis State College in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. He later joined General Electric Company as a trainee and held various positions including Florida Zone Manager. He retired from GE in 1986, after 33 years of service.

George was a charter member of the St. Augustine Chapter of the Harley Owners Group. He served two terms as chapter director, and enjoyed long distance motorcycle trips, traveling many times from Florida to Canada. He was also a long time member of Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, where he served three terms as Deacon and on various committees. He was an usher and a cook in the church kitchen for over 20 years. George was a volunteer and life member at St. Luke's Hospital for 19 years. He was the St. Luke's “Santa Claus” for all those years. He was also an honorary life member of Baptist Hospital Auxiliary. For over 30 years, George was a member of the University Club. He was past president of the General Electric Marketing Council, a member of the General Electric Elfun Society (a volunteer group of GE leaders), a 40 year member of the Florida Sheriff's Association, a Kentucky Colonel, a life member of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, a life member of the American Motorcyclist Association and past National Commander of the 29th Division Association. In the latter position, George had the honor of placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in May 2005.

A funeral service will be held at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church at 10am on Thursday, July 14, 2016. There will be a 30 minute visitation prior to the service in the narthex of the church. Following the service, interment will be at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, or to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207, (904) 737-7171.