Sgt. Major Charles F. Cook, 87, of Advance, died Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016.

He was born May 21, 1928 in Iredell County to Robert and Vertie Anderson Cook. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on Feb. 6, 1948. He did basic training at Parris Island, S.C. After boot camp, he was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, and also served in Korea and Vietnam. He retired from the Marine Corps on Dec. 31, 1976. He was married for more than 51 years to Mary, who was also a Marine. He was a devoted husband and father who put others first. He was never idle and was always helping others. He devoted many hours volunteering his services to his community, family, friends, and to the military organizations for which he belonged. He was unique; an intellect who loved to learn, make others think, and debate topics such as politics, philosophy, and religion.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: his wife, Mary Alice Burchfield Cook; his son, Sgt. Charles Dennis Cook who was also a Marine, and was killed in action in 1983 during the Beirut bombing; 3 brothers, James Cook, W. Edgar Cook, and Robert Cook; 7 sisters, Effie L. Joyner, Evelyn E. Groce, Mary Lee Adams, Edna Cleo Steelman, Lottie M. Bracken, Margaret V. McCaskill and Rachel J. Barnard; and a special niece, Ruth Irene Sidbury.

Survivors: his daughter, Elizabeth Ann Cook; 2 sisters, Martha L. Osterhout and Coleen Y. Parker; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be conducted 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8 at Frank Vogler & Sons Funeral Home in Clemmons officiated by Commander Jimmy L, Myers Chaplain Corps U.S.N. Retired. Entombment and full military rites, provided by the Marine Corps, will follow at Westlawn Gardens of Memory in Clemmons. The family will receive friends Sunday evening at the funeral home.

Memorials: Percy John Fulton Detachment, 1075 Marine Corps League.

Condolences: www.frankvoglerandsons.com.