Obituary: Rev. Raymond Eugene Cook, 82

Rev. Raymond

Eugene Cook

Rev. Raymond Eugene Cook of Rupert, WV, went home to be with his Lord on April 11, 2023, at the age of 82.

Gene was born in McDowell County, WV, on March 4, 1941, to the late Carroll Raymond Cook and Blanche Faw Cook Wyatt. Gene married the love of his life, Priscilla Ann Lampert, on October 5, 1963, and together, they built a full life that lasted nearly sixty years and included raising their two sons and serving in church congregations in West Virginia.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his son, Robert Michael “Bob” Cook; and two sisters, Shirley Cook (Henry) McBride and Winnie Constance Wyatt (Jerry) Rushbrook.

Gene worked as an electrician in the West Virginia coal mines and served his country as an E4 in the United States Marine Corp, taking him to Iceland and the Mediterranean for a time. While serving as a bi-vocational pastor, he also worked as a school bus driver.
Gene gave his life to the Lord, as a young man, and faithfully lived his life as a servant of the Lord, serving as Senior Pastor of Church of God congregations in Logan, Madison, Richwood, Ronceverte, and a two year interim at Cottle, as well as the Church of God Campground at Craigsville. After retiring from full-time ministry, he continued to fill pulpits and offer assistance to congregations in need of an interim pastor. He loved singing, listening to southern gospel music and the old hymns, and preaching.

Some of the last notes on his desk were “I am a child of God,” and “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family,” and “Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul,” and “He hears our prayer.”

Left to cherish Gene’s memory and live out his legacy is his faithful and loving wife, Priscilla. In his later years, she became his dedicated, full-time caregiver and faithfully modeled the vows “for better or worse – in sickness and in health.” She assured that he had the best quality of life she could give him.

In addition to Priscilla, he will be deeply missed by his son, Timothy (Gwen) Cook of Archdale, NC; and daughter-in-law, Melanie Forbes Cook of Mocksville, NC. PopPaw will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Jonathan and Carrie Cook of Mocksville, NC, and Jake and Cole Cook and Hunter and Blake Sheets of Archdale, NC. In addition, Gene leaves behind a very special sister-in-law, Judy Lampert (Gary) Wingler; and nieces and nephews, Melissa, Christy, Angie, Ramona, Rebecca, Cecilia, Jane, Judy, and Jody. He will be missed by his many friends, fellow pastors, and the many church congregations he served.

The family would like to thank the medical team who cared for Gene, especially Rhonda Pennington, Tina Halterman, and Amanda Sorrells. We are also very thankful for Rev. Robert Hefner and his wife, Dyan Hefner, for their incredible support and friendship for many years, as well as the Henning Church of God congregation. As Gene would often say, “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God!”

A memorial service and celebration of Gene’s life will be held at the Henning Church of God (3599 Vago Rd., Frankfort, WV) on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 2 p.m.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” – Psalm 116:15

In lieu of flowers, donations may go to the Henning Church of God Building Fund, 3599 Vago Rd., Frankford, WV 24938.

Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.

The Cook family is being served by Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home of Lewisburg, WV.