Charlie Hugh Cook – dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather – passed away on November 25, 2022, at home with his family. Hugh was born October 1, 1921, son of the late Charlie and Laura Thompson Cook. A Watauga County native, Hugh served in the U.S. Army during World War II with the 91st artillery division in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. He received his enlistment papers on his 21st birthday and went to basic training in Medford, Oregon. He served as the ham operator in the field and was awarded many medals including 2 bronze stars.

Hugh married his sweetheart Cleo Bolick on April 18, 1956, and they had 4 children. Hugh retired from ASU at 65. He was an avid sportsman playing baseball, softball, bowling, fox hunting, and golf. He particularly enjoyed many years of judging field trials with his brother Hade, and also golfing with Hade, his sons, and his many friends. Hugh "retired" from golfing at the age of 98. He also sang Tenor as part of the Hagaman Family Quartet for more than 30 years. He has been a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church since 1939 and as a 17-year-old worked on building the original rock church by carrying rocks and mixing cement. Hugh was beloved by his family, friends, church family and his Boone Golf Course buddies. Hugh and Cleo enjoyed traveling to Branson, Missouri each year to his Army reunions and re-connecting with his fellow soldiers. They also enjoyed traveling with their friends on several trips to see our great nation. Their greatest joy was spending time with their 4 grandchildren and more recently their great grandson.

In addition to his parents, Charlie Lee and Laura Thompson Cook, he was preceded in death by one son, Doyle Cook, and nine brothers and sisters. Surviving is his wife, Cleo B. Cook; two sons, Dwight Cook and Darryl Cook; one daughter, Linda Johnson and husband Titus Johnson; 4 grandchildren, Seth Cook and wife, Maya; Macy Cole and husband, Troy; Autumn Smith and husband Logan; Bradley Johnson; and one great-grandson, Brewer Hugh Smith along with a number of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on November 30, 2022, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at Mount Vernon Baptist Church with Funeral services for Charlie Hugh Cook immediately following at 11:00 am. Pastor Bud Russell will officiate.

Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 130 and the DAV, Post 90.

Flowers or memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Boone and Mount Vernon Baptist Church.

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.