Virgil Griffith Cook Jr.

Virgil Griffith Cook, Jr. was born on July 27, 1943, to Ann and Virgil G. Cook, Sr. in Dallas, Texas. He passed away in Oviedo, Florida, surrounded by family and loved ones after a short illness on February 6, 2025, at the age of 81.

Virgil, first and foremost, was a devoted Christian, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He adored his wife, Charyl Ann Reed Cook. Over their nearly 48-year marriage, they enjoyed traveling, gardening, cooking, sharing quiet time, laughing, and being with family. Virgil loved to tell stories and terrible jokes. He especially loved playing practical jokes that made him laugh until he cried. He was very active at the Church of Christ at Tuskawilla.

Virgil had a long military career and received medals, commendations, and awards. He started in the 1960s in the US Army, serving in Greenland as a dental assistant. In 1969, after starting a family and graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, he enlisted as an officer in the US Navy and earned his wings as a fixed-wing pilot, flying S-3s from both bases and aircraft carriers. In 1979 he earned a master's degree at the Naval Postgraduate College in Monterey, California. Over the years, he was a member of various Viking squadrons (VS-21, VS-22, VS-24, VS-41). Virgil retired in 1989 as a Commander after serving as an instructor at the Naval Postgraduate College in Monterey, California.

Virgil is survived by his loving wife, Charyl Ann Cook; children Kitty Cook Ramsey (Tom), Virgil Griffith "Griff" Cook III, Justine Allen (Jay), Jennifer Rogan (Jonathan), and Corrie Cook Bellottie (Danny); grandchildren Katharine Bercier-Cook, Jacob Howe, Sage Garriques, Isabelle Arguello-Howe, Zak Hoyt, Grace Allen, Lucy Rogan, Caleb Allen, Andrew Cook, Mander Kasser, and Mia Bellottie; and great-grandchildren Saturn and Natalie.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 AM on February 11, 2025, at the Church of Christ at Tuskawilla.