There are condolences waiting approval on William's Tribute wall
Celebrating the life of William S. "Brother" Cook, Sr., M.D.
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
William.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for William S. "Brother" Cook, Sr., M.D.
Dr. William “Brother” Samuel Cook, Sr., went home to be with his Heavenly Father on May 3, 2022, while at home, holding his wife's hand and surrounded by family. He got to meet his brother, Ernie Wagar Cook, Jr., who had died at a very young age, before Dr. Cook was born. Dr. Cook, born February 14, 1931, was the son of Lucy Stockett Cook and Mr. Ernie Wagar Cook. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara Jones Cook, son, Dr. William S. Cook, Jr., and his other son, Dr. John Wagar Cook (Leah), and 2 precious granddaughters, Keaton Hayes Cook and Leah Margaret “Mae Mae” Cook.
Dr. Cook grew up in Belhaven and graduated from Central High School; he then completed his undergraduate degree at Ole Miss, where he was in Kappa Alpha and in the ROTC (Second Lieutenant attained). Dr. Cook went into the service as a Second Lieutenant in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The General thought so much of him that he asked him to go to Europe with him and be his Chief Assistant. Dr. Cook declined because he had always wanted to be a doctor.
Dr. Cook attended the University of Mississippi Medical Center, completing his medical degree. He then went to Memphis, Tennessee, where he completed his internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at John Gaston Hospital. Dr. Cook returned home, and went into private practice with Dr. Walter Simmons, Dr. Ross Bass, and Dr. John Kitchings.
He was one of the founding physicians of Doctors Hospital and Woman's Hospital. He was President of the State OB/GYN Society; he also helped start Jackson Healthcare for Women. He was also very instrumental in the establishment of Jackson Preparatory School.
He had a keen interest in horses and antique carriages; he later became president of the Carriage Association of America. He did not retire until he was 75 years old; his interest continued in his farm in Crystal Springs. One of the joys that he had was cooking lunch at the farm every Saturday for several good friends that included Tom Bowen, Les Brannan, Dick Liddell, Bill Long, Lee Steed, Noel Toler, Billy Greenlee and Joel Varner.
Visitation will be held Monday, May 9th from 5 to 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. The funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 10th at 11 am, with a private burial at Lakewood Cemetery to precede the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to First Presbyterian Church or Reformed Theological Seminary.
Pallbearers are his nephews Mr. Frank A. Wood, Jr.; Mr. Randolph Wood; Mr. Jimmy Jones, III; Mr. Robert Jones; close friends, Dr. Heber Simmons, Jr.; Dr. Noel Toler, Jr.; Mr. Lee Steed and Mr. Les Brannan.
Dr. Cook attended First Presbyterian Church all his life, where he was elected a Deacon and then an Elder.
Dr. Cook was deeply loved by his family, his friends, and patients. He was a very kind, compassionate and loving gentleman.
The family would like to thank the caregivers from Compassus Hospice who helped alleviate suffering, especially at the end of his life.