Obituary of Wilbur Cooke

Wilbur "Bill" Cooke, an educator, golfer, and devoted family man, died on October 11 surrounded by family. He was 89. The youngest of six siblings, he was born in Bishopville, South Carolina, on May 8, 1932 to Thomas A. and Julia Melinda Cooke. During his early years, he and his brother Thomas Jr. enjoyed going to movies, especially the serials of the day that provided impressions of the world outside the Jim Crow South. Bill's athletic skill brought him recognition as a student-athlete at Mather Academy, a private boarding school in Camden, South Carolina. His love of sports led to his career as a physical education teacher. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Health from Morgan State College, then served in the U.S. Army from December 3, 1953, to September 15, 1955. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Occupation Medal. He was stationed in Germany and traveled through Europe during his military service, then returned to the U.S. for more educational credentials. Still, he never lost his love of traveling the world with his family. Graduate studies in Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts, led to a Master's in Health and Physical Education. Cooke taught in the Baltimore City public school system at Booker T. Washington, Harlem Park, Hampstead Hill, and Northwest Middle school. He introduced and coached generations of students to the sports of golf and gymnastics. Bill had a solid commitment to young people and his community. He made a difference in the lives of generations of young men as one of the leaders at the historic Druid Hill YMCA. He led the Y's Camp Oswego and the Saturday morning Pee Wee Club. Many of today's men in Baltimore identify their time there as key to their development as hard-working, responsible adults who can appreciate the outdoors. He was a devoted husband, father, and uncle. He often found himself being the surrogate father to his nieces and nephews. He was strong, kind, compassionate, funny, multi-talented, soft-spoken, and committed to being the emotional glue that held many together. His family love knew no bounds, and he was always present, which was his greatest gift. He was a member of Epworth United Methodist Chapel. An avid golfer, he was president of the Monumental Golf Club, one of the country's oldest Black golf organizations. He traveled around the country with other African American golf enthusiasts. He also liked to bowl as a member of Wood Knockers and Inner City Rollers Leagues, which he established. Bill loved all sports, old movies, Civil War history, and Broadway musicals. He enjoyed telling tales of growing up in South Carolina with his brothers and sisters before moving to Baltimore. He also had a beautiful singing voice and studied acoustic guitar throughout his life. He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Doris Cooke, his daughters Carol Anne Cooke and Melinda Tracey Cooke-Vandaveer ; son-in-law Kevin Vandaveer; and granddaughters Kimberly Elizabeth Morgan Dodson and Yvah Melinda Vandaveer. His five brothers and sisters preceded him in death. He is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. The family will receive friends at a viewing on Thursday, November 11, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services, 8728 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD. Homegoing services are scheduled for Friday, November 12 at Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services, 8728 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am - 11:30 am with services to follow. The interment will take place at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery immediately following services.