William David Cook

William David Cook Sr., a lifelong fisherman and expert painter, passed away at his home peacefully on January 16, 2025 at the age of 89. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee on May 8, 1935, to Marion Otto and Ruby Mae (Angus) Cook.

William was a hardworking, loving and caring man who always put his family and love ones first. He had a passion for fishing spending countless hours casting lines and sharing his love of fishing with friends and family. He was known for his generosity in sharing his catches with neighbors. When fishing wasn’t possible, he enjoyed heading down south to the casino. Above all, he truly cherished the time he spent with his family.

William married his love of his life of 64 years, Theresa Mae (Anschutz) Cook on October 15, 1955 who preceded him in death in 2020. In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by his sons William David Cook Jr. and James Randall Cook; daughter Rebecca Helen (Cook) Howell; grandson Tyler Randall Cook; two great granddaughters Emma Mae Engle and Autumn Grace Kilzer.

William is survived by his youngest son Ronald Cook (Rhonda); son in law David Howell Sr., grandchildren Dave Howell (Kim), Crystal Hunter (Brian), Jennifer Engle (CD), Megan Kaufman (David), Joseph Kilzer (Jessie), Joshua Kilzer (Ashly), Michelle Henry and 16 great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Memphis Funeral Home on Friday, January 24th from 1pm to 2pm with the service celebrating his life to begin at 2pm. Burial will follow the service in Memphis Memory Gardens, 6444 Raleigh LaGrange Road, Memphis TN 38134.