Henry Winfred Cook, 93, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2022 at Mayo surrounded by his loving family.
He was born February 22,1929, in Moultrie Georgia, to Henry Clinton and Pearl Adel Cook. He graduated from Moultrie High School and Georgia Southern College in Americus. He moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1948 and went to work with the City of Jacksonville, retiring in 1968 as an Assistant Engineer. He was elected to the Civil Service Board and shortly afterward was elected as City Councilman At-Large in 1983. During his tenure on the City Council, Henry was elected twice as Council President. Henry continued his 40 years of outstanding leadership and service to the City of Jacksonville. Henry was elected Clerk of the Court, Fourth Judicial Circuit, Duval County from 1988-2001. Serving the City of Jacksonville was not only Henry’s passion, he regularly gave his time for the betterment of the community. Henry was President of the Florida League of Cities in 1985 and the National League of Cities Board of Directors in 1986¬87. His extraordinary skills continued with an appointment to the National Association of Counties. Henry went on to become the Florida Association Court Clerks and Comptroller-President in 1996 and 1997. Henry was elected President and life member of the Jacksonville Jaycees. He was a caring and hard-working person who gave of himself, his time and his many talents to make this city and state a better place for all. Henry was the Charter President of the Civitan Club and worked tirelessly with Prevent Blindness. He also was an active member of the Rotary Club achieving the Paul Harris Fellow. Henry was a 32nd Degree Mason and member of the Morocco Temple Shrine. Henry was one of the founding members of the Chop and Chomp that donated football scholarship money to Florida and Florida State students. Henry was a freelance artist, having owned Henry Cook & Associates Commercial Art and Screen Process Company. The annual Celebrity Roast Program books would not be the same without the artwork of Henry who created a caricature of each roast honoree for twenty years for his continuing support of Spina Bifada Foundation. He has painted many landscapes that he exhibited and also has several paintings published in the Artists of Amelia Art Book.
The most important thing in Henry’s life was his family. He met Dorothy “Dot” Eaddy, a native of Jacksonville on a blind date. They were blessed to share 71 years of marriage together. They loved to travel the US and abroad, also enjoying many cruises. He got a lot of his painting ideas while he and Dot did their daily walking on the beach in Amelia Island where they built a beach home in 1990. The beach brought much peace and serenity to their lives. He was an avid Gator and Jaguar fan being an inaugural ticket holder with the Jaguars. Henry had a great sense of humor and was a fantastic story teller. He had big heart and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Dorothy “Dot”, daughter Cheryl Morgan, daughter Kristi Sikes (Buddy) of Jacksonville, Florida, grandson Dusty Sikes (Tara), of Charleston, S.C., great granddaughter, Sierra Morgan, Jacksonville, Florida. Predeceased by granddaughter Lindsey Morgan and grandson Ryan Morgan, and brother Charles Cook all from Jacksonville, Florida as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
The visitation will be Tuesday, October 4th at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. at North Jacksonville Baptist Church, 8531 North Main Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32218. A reception will follow the service at the church. Family Interment will be at 2:00 pm at Evergreen Cemetery 4535 Main Street. Please enter through Gate 5 off Evergreen Ave.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Shriners Childrens Hospital 2900 Rocky Point Drive Tampa, Florida 33607.
8 Comments
Rest well my friend from labor. May the God of Peace bring comfort and strength to your family in this season.
I served with Henry Cook in the Jacksonville Jaycees long ago. I appeared before the Civil Service Board on many occasions representing Jacksonville Firefighters. During his time as City Council Member/President my position as Public and Governmental Affairs Officer caused me to interact with Council Member Cook. As Council President, Henry appointed the first two Trustees of the Police and Fire Pension Fund by the City Council. After serving as Clerk of the Court, Henry was active in the Elder Affairs Council for the City; served as President and Advisor to the Retired Employees Association. May he rest in the comfort of Our Lord.
I first meet Henry Cook when I joined the Jacksonville Jaycees. During the many years since, During the many years since, I was associated with Henry when he was elected to the Civil Service Board, City Council, selected as Council President, first appointed, then elected Clerk of the Courts, President of the Retired Employees Association, active in many civic organizations, and Member of the Council of Elder Affairs. Our Citizens issues with their government were a very high priority for Henry. No problem was too large or small to receive his attention. Our deepest sympathy to Dot, Family and Friends. May he rest in Peace.
May the comfort of your faith embrace you at this sad time. Dot and Family are in our prayers.
John & Lynda Keane
Great public servant, Great Christian servant. Great man.
RIP Henry
A gentleman’s gentleman and a great boss.
Henry was one of a kind, his service to our community was unparalleled. He led the Council on Elder Affairs for many years assisting seniors in Jacksonville. Henry’s vast knowledge of historical events that affected our city was unmatched. I will miss his friendship, his humor and his love for his Florida Gators and Jaguars. RIP in peace Henry.
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