Cook departs at age 89

Recognized for his contributions to Florida’s agriculture, William K. Cook died at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville July 10. He was 89 years old. 

The Tallahassee native moved to Callahan in 1946 and soon began working for his uncle, Henry Cook, at Callahan Timber in the turpentine and pulpwood business, according to the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame website. The U.S. Air Force veteran eventually acquired the company and started Great South Timber and Lumber. 

Cook received accolades for his work in the timber industry. He was inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame on Feb. 14, 2017. 

In 2001, he received the Living Legend Distinguished Service Award from the Florida Forestry Association. 

Former secretary Thelma Bethea fondly recalled working for Cook for 47 years. 

“He was very, very fair,” she said. “He always backed us up as long as we told the truth. It was a pleasure to work for him. He was pretty even-keeled. He was good to his employees – all of us. He was a quiet and kind person.”

The business owner also supported local groups, according to West Nassau Historical Society Treasurer John Hendricks. 

“Mr. Cook was a dedicated supporter of the West Nassau Historical Society and our county’s rich history, especially our timber industry,” Hendricks wrote via email. “For decades he played a very important role in the positive development of our forests throughout our county and state. During our ongoing research of our county’s timber and turpentine industries, it is hard not to see William Cook’s influence on the fields. He will be sorely missed.” 

Bill Quaile spoke of Cook’s generosity toward others. 

“He was a lifelong friend,” he said. 

The longtime resident recalled how, during the 1950s, Cook hosted a cookout for niece Shirley Shave that included Quaile and their fellow Callahan High School classmates. 

“That was the nicest thing, you know,” he said. “That was the best steak I’ve had to date. It just melted in my mouth.”

Quaile said that Cook lived a great life, adding, “He was a great person. I never heard a foul word against him. I thought the world of him.” 

Cook shared a 58-year marriage with Betty Pickett Cook until her death Nov. 12, 2013. 

She was a philanthropist and former nurse with the Nassau County Health Department. The couple provided land for the building of the Betty P. Cook Nassau Center in Yulee. 

The Cooks had two sons, Bill and Bob, and three grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Monday at 11 a.m. at Callahan First Baptist Church with the Rev. Lynn Hyatt officiating.