[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 201 (Wednesday, December 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  RECOGNIZING WILLIAM ``BILLY'' COOKE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2023

  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of William 
``Billy'' Cooke, who passed away peacefully in his home in 
Tappahannock, Virginia on November 26, 2023.
  Billy was born in Tappahannock, and attended Tappahannock High 
School, where he played centerfield on the baseball team. He served two 
years in the U.S. Army before returning to baseball at Randolph-Macon 
College. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics in 1959 before 
returning to Essex County, where he became a prominent member of his 
community. Throughout more than 30 years, he served as a deacon, clerk, 
and Adult Sunday School teacher at Howard's Baptist Church, helped 
found the Tappahannock Little League, and served four terms on the 
Essex County Board of Supervisors, among countless other achievements.
  Billy was a kind and easygoing man who enjoyed watching PGA 
tournaments and Atlanta Braves games with his family. He was often 
found in his office at the Essex Concrete Main Office, where he worked, 
or at the Hobbs Hole Golf Course. He never missed an opportunity to 
catch up with family and friends, or to dance with his wife whenever 
they found an open floor with music.
  Billy is preceded in death by his brother, Frank and dear friends 
Willie Cleaton. Alec Dillard, and James Moore He is survived by his 
loving wife of 66 years, Betty Cooke; his brother, Gene Cooke; his 
sons, William Cooke and Stephen Cooke; several nieces and nephews, and 
his devoted caregivers from Riverside Hospice
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you rise with me in honoring the life of 
Billy Cooke and his service to the people of Essex County.

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