Charles Cook, III

Charles Cook, 67, died on February 14, 2019. Charles Stanley Cook III was born on August 18, 1951 to the late Charles Stanley Cook Jr. and the late Erma Ruth Golding Cook in Portsmouth, Virginia. On February 14, 2019, Charles Stanley Cook III made his transition to be with the Lord at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. “Chuck”, as he was affectionately known, was the eldest of two sons. He graduated from Memphis Catholic High School for Boys in 1969. In 1976, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from Memphis State University. Throughout his lifetime, “Chuck” had numerous career achievements. He served in the United States Navy and retired from the Memphis Police Department. While in the Navy, he served in the Vietnam War and received several medals and honors. He had over thirty years of law enforcement, supervision, and management experience. During his time with the police force, he had the pleasure of meeting two presidents. He was highly self-motivated and had a strong interest in the topic of Homeland Security. While serving as deputy chief, he served as contact person for the office of Homeland Security in Washington, DC. As a law enforcement manager, he was involved in many high profile operations with media and public interest. He had a passion for enhancing and providing security to the community. After retiring from the police force, he taught criminal justice at the University of Memphis and worked with children at Peabody Elementary. On April 7, 2001, Chuck married the late Kay Miller Keys. They would spend the next seventeen years enjoying life, traveling the globe, hosting family events and spending time with their children and grandchildren. In the company of his family and friends, some of “Chuck’s” hobbies included boating, golfing, building model airplanes, traveling and cooking. As a member of Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church, he served as the head of security and emergency evacuation committee. Charles Stanley Cook II leaves to cherish his memories his brother, Roger Cook, his children Maurice Cook, Natasha Copeland (Russell), and Tarik Cook, his stepchildren Delane Knight (Victoria), Sondra Wade (Frank) and David L. Keys Jr., his grandchildren Russell Copeland Jr., Raven Copeland, Racquel Copeland, Nadia Copeland, Kaley Brown, and Bryson Coffer. He also leaves an abundance of loving and caring family members, very dear friends and great colleagues who were a special blessing to him. Serenity Funeral Home (901) 379-0861.