Obituaries

Bryant Cook

Bryant Lane Cook, 85, of Hixson, passed away Friday, Nov. 15, 2019, surrounded by family. Native of Oceana, W.Va., Bryant, graduated from Oceana High School and entered the Marine Corps in 1952. Bryant married his lifelong love, Marcella in 1955 and had three children, Gregory, Teresa and Nicole. Bryant’s military career spanned from 1952-1971. In Vietnam, Bryant served with the 1st Battalion of the 9th Marines. The former sergeant was a Field Marine, serving with an infantry company. Holding more than 30 service awards from veterans organizations and entities, the recognitions he valued the most are an American Legion National Citation, a Legionnaire of the Year Award from Post 159, a National Citation from the Military Order of the Purple Heart, a State American Legion Appreciation Award, and an award from the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in South-East Asia. Retiring from the Marine Corps in 1971, Bryant served for 20 years with the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs. Bryant attended North Carolina Coastal Community College where he studied the field of radio and television prior to becoming manager of WVBS radio station in Bergaw, N.C. Bryant also holds an Associate’s Degree from Northeast Alabama Junior College. Following his military retirement, Bryant started his own business and then went on to become the ranking representative in Chattanooga with the State of Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs where he led the charge in the naming of the Veterans Bridge which he felt was “one of the highlights of my experience in this area.” He was also instrumental in the genesis of Chattanooga’s Medal of Honor Museum. In addition to his many recognitions, Bryant was awarded the Key to the City on Aug. 21, 1992, named Colonel aide de Camp, Governor’s Staff by Governor Lamar Alexander October 24, 1986 and in recognition of his service to the Chattanooga Veterans Community presented with a Proclamation by former Mayor of Chattanooga Gene Roberts naming August 21, 1992 as ‘Bryant L. Cook Day’. Bryant’s life was one of service. Following his retirement, he found joy in travelling with his wife, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and giving of his woodcrafts to friends and family. Bryant was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Lucille Cook of Salem, Va.; brothers, Keith and Edward Cook; and grandson, Kelly Mullins. He is survived by wife Marcella; children, Greg, Terry and Nikki; grandchildren, Bryan, Scott, Cameron, Brittany, Cory, Emma, Abigail, and Samuel and many beautiful great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held at the Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, at 12 p.m. with Pastors Terry Evans and Kenneth Morgan officiating. Burial will be at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, located at 1200 Bailey Ave. Chattanooga. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday, Nov. 18, 2019, from 5 to 7 p.m. and again on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Arrangements are held by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com

Published November 17, 2019

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