John Willie Cook Jr.

John Willie Cook, Jr., age 71, passed away on February 26, 2026, at Southern Regional Hospital. He was born on November 12, 1954, at Grady Memorial Hospital. John attended Brown High School. He worked in operations and later as a Cover Feeder at Stephen Graphics. He retired from BellSouth (AT&T) after 28 years of service. He was also a member of the Bowling League (Early Morning Minor League). He was a member of West Oakland Missionary Church and was a Christian. In his free time, John enjoyed bowling, watching western shows, especially those with John Wayne, sports including basketball and football, and spending time with family. He was preceded in death by his father, John Willie Cook, Sr.; two brothers, Donald Cook and Floyd Cook; and his son, Corey Carthan. He is survived by his wife, Vickie Carthan; his mother, Mary Cook; four sisters, Diane Cook, Angela Cook (Nolan) Frazier, Lillie Chance, and Valerie Cook; sister-in-law Valeria Cook; brothers Tony (Krystal) Cook and Anthony Cook; his 4 children, Lamardo Cook, Natasha (Renard) Brown, Desmond Cook, and Damon (Tiffany) Cook; 15 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. John will be remembered as hardworking, loving, selfless, and thoughtful. He was family-oriented and had a deep love for chicken and seafood. Known by several nicknames — “Fish,” “Pumpkin,” and “Old Skool” — he leaves behind many who will cherish his memory.