Elmer Cook

Born in Loreda, West Virginia on January 24, 1935

Departed on August 10, 2018 and resided in Nashville, Tennessee

"It is with a deep sense of honor, gratitude and love that we celebrate the remarkable life of Elmer "Buddy" Cook, who passed away at the age of 83 on August 10, 2018.

Buddy was born in Loreda, West Virginia, a coal mining community where Buddy was raised. As a high school student, Buddy was a star athlete on the basketball, football, baseball and track teams. Following high school, Buddy served four years in the United States Navy, deployed throughout the Pacific and Europe, and earning access to the G.I. Bill, which enabled him to enroll in college. In 1958, Buddy matriculated at Concord College, where he would earn his bachelor's degree. It was at a freshman orientation where he met Mary Etta Wright, falling immediately and deeply in love with her. Buddy married her in 1960, and remained unselfishly devoted to her for the rest of his life.

Buddy earned a Master of Business Administration from Marshall University in 1962, and returned to his high school as a faculty member. In 1966, he and Mary Etta moved to Tennessee, where Buddy entered the insurance claims business, and where he and Mary Etta started and raised their family. While a young father and working full time, Buddy earned his law degree from Nashville School of Law.

Buddy was an avid golfer and football fan. Buddy enjoyed ball games, beers, and road trips with his friends. Buddy was a Loyal Gander of the Honorable Order of the Blue Goose.

Buddy is survived by his daughter Tracey (Cook) Hay, son Christopher Cook and grandchildren Alex Hay, Ashlyn Hay, Savannah Cook, and Austin Cook. He was so loved.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m., and service will immediately follow at 6:00 p.m., on Monday August 13, 2018 at Bellevue Presbyterian Church, 100 Cross Timbers Drive, Nashville, TN 37221. Interment will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday at Middle TN State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary donation to the Sunny Day Club at Bellevue Presbyterian Church, a service that provides support and fellowship to individuals faced with memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer's.