Bobby Joe Cook, 60, Was Avid Fisherman, Hunter

Bobby Joe Cook of Edgartown died Saturday evening, Dec. 18, 2004 peacefully at his home after a long illness. He was 60.

Bobby Joe was the son of Romie John Lee Cook and Tessie Mae Brown, he was born in Rome, Ga. on Dec. 1, 1944, one of twelve children.

He married his wife Nancy Lee Arruda, an Island native, who left Martha's Vineyard in 1959 and met Bobby Joe in 1960 in Ocala, Fla. They lived there until 1980 when Nancy returned to the Island and Bobby Joe did the same.

Bobby Joe started a house painting business which he continued until his illness. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and throughout his ordeal he never lost his sense of humor. He was also a volunteer Edgartown firefighter. He was a Vietnam veteran serving in the Army and a member of the Edgartown American Legion.

He is survived by his wife; a son, Theodore Bernard Cook of Tewksbury; a daughter, Toni Lee Cook of Edgartown; his granddaughter, Cassandra Marie Cook of Edgartown; his five sisters, Eunice Jeannette Collins of Ocala, Fla., Ruby John Cox of Crossnore, N.C., Dorothy Mae Adams, Mildred Louise Cook and Betty Lois Gilmore all of Rome, Ga.; three brothers, Ervin J. Cook of Ocala, Fla., Romie Franklin Cook and Gerry Richard Cook both of Cedartown, Ga.; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Sarha Marie Carver, who died on his birthday this month and Mary Ruth Beck and by his brother Jimmy J.D. Cook.

Bobby Joe's funeral service was held in the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home Wednesday, Dec. 22 officiated by Rev. Gerry Fritz and interment will be in the New Westside Cemetery, Edgartown. Donations may be made in his memory to Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, P.O. Box 2549, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 or to a charity of one's choice. Visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.