William "Bill" H. Cook

William H. “Bill” Cook passed away on October 14, 2025.

A native of Virginia he was the husband of 66 years to Betty Jean Cook, who survives, and the son of William Cook and Lizzie Yates Cook Claytor, both deceased. He was also preceded in death by his son, Ronald Gene Cook; and son-in-law, Layne Norman Pugh. Bill served in the United States Army for 11 years. He was an auto mechanic for many years at Vinton Welding until he acquired his position with the US Department of Interior at the Blue Ridge Parkway. Once he retired from the parkway he worked part time for Bedford County.

He was an avid fisherman who enjoyed spending his Friday’s fishing with his sons. He also enjoyed farming and raising cattle which he did for many years.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 66 years, Betty Jean Cook and grandson, Christopher William Cook who resides with them; brother, Cyril M. Cook; daughter, Cindy L. Pugh and her son Nicholas; son, William E. Cook and wife Donna Cook and their children Brandi & Brandon; son, Charles W. Cook and wife Sharon Cook and their children Ashley, Whitney & Amanda; daughter, Connie Cook Beheler husband Jerrald Beheler and their children Justin, Bryan & Brittany; daughter, Karen Zimmerman husband David Zimmerman and their children Heather, Ariel & Zach; along with many great grandchildren.

A memorial gathering will be held on November 7th at the Charles R Hill Senior Center at the War Memorial in Vinton from 1-3 pm.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association or Gentiva Hospice in honor of William Cook.

The family would like to give special thanks to Gentiva Hospice for the care and comfort they provided for William Cook in his final months.