Melvin Franklin Cook

Obituary: Cook, Melvin Franklin Kannapolis, NC- Dad entered the gates of Heaven today, September 21, 2010 to forever be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Dad enjoyed foremost being a husband of 59 years to our Mother, Eunice Varner Cook, a Dad to his daughter, Debbie Cook Penninger and her husband, Ed, his son Joey Melvin Cook and his wife, Cindy, his daugher, Jolene Cook Crayton and husband, Brian and a grandfather and great-grandfather to all of the children. He was the son of the late Henry Grayden Cook and Blanche Swink Cook, born September 16, 1931. Dad also enjoyed Nascar racing and kept a diary of the races. He especially had been an Earnhardt fan from the time Ralph Earnhardt raced since he worked for NAPA and delivered parts to Ralph and then to Dale. Dale introduced Dad to the entire audience at a breakfast during the race of champions as his parts man, it was one of the highlight's of Dad's life. He also worked at Cannon Mills Company, Plt.#1 for over 50 years with most of his career in # 2 weave room. Later in his Cannon career he designed towel borders that are still manufactured under the Cannon label overseas today. He was recognized by Cannon for having the number one design that at the time had sold over one million towels, a record that was never exceeded. Everyone who ever met him on the job or not, met him as a friend. Dad served in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged after serving four years. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and was stationed at march Air Force Base. A special thanks to Dad's buddy, Ed Penninger, to his doctors and nurses from CMC-NorthEast, and Hospice of Cabarrus County from Dad and the entire family. In lieu of flowers it is requested that donations be made to: Abundant Life Faith Church, P.O. Box 624, Concord, NC 28026 OR Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081. There will be a memorial service at Abundant Life Faith Church, 995 Warren C. Coleman Blvd., Concord, NC on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. Burial was private at Center Grove Lutheran Church Cemetery, Kannapolis, NC. On-line condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com who is serving the family.
Visitation: Pending

Service: Memorial Service 2:00 P.M. Saturday October 2, 2010 Abundant Life Faith Church 995 Warren C. Coleman Blvd. Concord, NC

Interment: Burial was private.