Obituary of Gary Lane Cook

Gary Lane Cook, age 71, of Watauga River Road, Sugar Grove, passed away Monday morning, January 4, 2021 at Watauga Medical Center. Born March 20, 1949 in Watauga County, he was a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Snyder Cook. Gary was a member and Deacon of Westview Baptist Church. After graduating from Watauga High School in 1967, he began his career at the NC Department of Transportation, retiring as a maintenance supervisor. Gary loved spending time with his family. He looked forward to participating in the annual Mule Days festivals and enjoyed searching for bargains at flea markets and yard sales. Gary is survived by his wife of 52 years, Donna Townsend Cook; daughter, Gina Cook Thomas and husband, Wayne, of Meadowview, VA; son, Aaron Cook and wife, Carol B. of Boone; grandchildren, Micah Thomas and wife, Amanda, of Abingdon, Va., Isaiah Thomas and wife, Tori, of Meadowview, VA, Seth Thomas and wife, Sierra, of Abingdon, VA, Rebekah Cook of ETSU, Johnson City, TN, and JohnThomas Cook and Elizabeth Cook, both of Boone; great-granddaughter, Tatum Thomas; sisters, Faye Yates of Vilas, Jean Taylor of Mt. Airy, and Lula Belle Parrish of Vero Beach, FL; brother, Larry Cook and wife, Arlene, of Boone; sister-in-law, Carolyn Stophel and husband, Harvey, of Ruffin, NC; and Michael Townsend and wife, Sandra, of Boone. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Cook. Graveside services for Gary Cook will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, January 6, 2021 at 2 o'clock at the Westview Baptist Church Cemetery, officiated by Pastor Brad Swift and Rev. Michael Townsend. The family requests those attending please wear a mask and observe social distancing. Friends may call at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home on Wednesday from 9 AM until 1 PM to pay respects and sign a guest register book. Memorials may be made to the Westview Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 692 Highway 105 Bypass, Boone, NC 28607. Online condolences may be shared at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Cook family.