Roger Cooke

Roger Phillip Cooke, 83, passed away Friday January 14, 2022 at his home. He was born in 1938 in Surry County to the late Eli Morton Cooke and Mertie Arrington Cooke. In addition to his parents, Mr. Cooke was preceded in death by his three brothers: Alfred M. Cooke, Sanford L. Cooke, Max G. Cooke and sister, Mildred Cooke Tilley. He is survived by many nieces and nephews: Perry Cooke (Alice), Tim Cooke (Dianne), Penny Arrington (Dean), Cindy Sharpe (Tim), Charles Tilley, Jerry Cooke (Janet), Pamela Chaney, Jimmy Cooke (Suzanne), Joyce Jessup (Bradley) and special nephew John “Jay” Stancil of Brooklyn, NY. After graduating from Flat Rock High School in 1956, Roger went on to graduate from Wake Forest College (now Wake Forest University) in 1962. He would spend the next 30 years of his life teaching mathematics, 2 years at East Surry High School in Pilot Mountain and the next 28 years at South Stokes High School in Walnut Cove.  He served as the Mathematics Department Chair for most of his career. He was adored by those he taught, mentored, assisted, guided and followed.  His life defined in every way what it meant to be a teacher. Roger served as a staff member at the American Legion’s Tar Heel Boys’ State at Wake Forest University and Catawba College for 16 years; was a member of Squadron 290 of the Sons of the American Legion in King where he served as Adjutant and Financial Officer; was a member of King Moravian Church where he served on the Pipe Organ Committee and the Board of Elders; was a member of the Stokes County Retired School Personnel organization and served as chairman of the scholarship committee and editor of the organization’s newsletter for many years.  He served as a member of the Poteat Scholarship Selection Committee at Wake Forest University for several years. Mr. Cooke had a wealth of good friends because he knew how to be one. A graveside service will be conducted 2:00 PM Saturday, April 2, 2022, at God's Acre in King, NC. A  celebration of life will be held at 4:00 PM, Sunday, May 15, 2022, at King Moravian Church. Memorials may be made to the Music Program at King Moravian Church, 228 West Dalton Road, King, NC 27021, or to the Stokes County Retired School Personnel Scholarship fund in care of Mrs. Ruth Rogers, SCRSP Treasurer, 1432 Hart Road, Lawsonville, NC 27022.  Online condolences may be made at www.hayworthmiller.com