John Clarence Cook

John Clarence Cook passed away surrounded by family in his Greer, SC home on October 21, 2021.

John led a rich and rewarding life centered on his exceptional woodworking and carpentry skills as well as his family, including his wife, Evelyn Thompson Cook, who preceded him in death; his three daughters, Wendy Cook Ward, of Greer, SC, Tammy Cook of Trumbull, CT, and Terri Cook of Boulder, CO; his four precious grandchildren, two sons-in-law, and his beloved cat, Bella.

The third of five siblings, John was born in 1939 to the late Minnie P. Cook and Everett S. Cook, Senior of Watertown, CT. After graduating from Kaynor Technical High School in 1956, John raised his children in Watertown, the same town he grew up in, where he owned his own woodworking business and later worked for several different cabinetmaking shops. In commemoration of Watertown’s bicentennial in 1980, John built the town gazebo, which still graces the greenbelt just west of the old town hall, and restored the woodwork surrounding the organ pipes in the adjacent First Congregational Church. John also served the community in many other roles, including as a member and president of the town’s Lions Club.

In 1991 John and Evelyn relocated to the Greenville, SC area, where he worked for Garfield Signs and Graphics. After retiring in 2000, John took up biking and had the opportunity to travel extensively across the U.S. and in Europe. Following Evelyn’s death, he purchased his beloved green trike and regularly rode Greenville’s Swamp Rabbit Trail. He also filled many roles at the Disciples United Methodist Church, including as a trustee, and volunteered for Fall for Greenville and other community events.

John spent much of his free time working on various woodworking projects, including helping his daughter Terri build a home in Arizona, lovingly crafting cradles and toys for his grandchildren, and helping family and friends with countless fix-up projects. He leaves behind a legacy of handcrafted heirlooms that his family will always cherish.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 24, at the Disciples United Methodist Church, 185 Riley Smith Drive, Greenville, SC. Please respect John’s family and community by following the church’s COVID policies, including that people who are not fully vaccinated are required to wear masks. In lieu of flowers, John’s family asks that memorials be made to his church (https://mydisciplesumc.org/).