Eugene Clark Cook, Jr., age 76, of Cornelius and formerly of Concord, passed away August 21, 2024 at Atrium Health University City Hospital in Charlotte.
Clark was born June 15th, 1948 to the late Eugene “Gene” Clark Cook, Sr. and Suzanne Willis Cook.
He graduated from Concord High School in 1966 and from North Carolina State University in 1970 with a BS in Economics. He also graduated from the Japanese Institute of Total Productive Management (JIPM) in 1998.
He was a member of the US Army Reserves for 8 years, serving as an E5.
Clark’s early career was heavily focused in the textile industry. Working with his family at Willis Hosiery Mills, Inc. in Concord, and at Ridgeview Mills in Newton, NC and Brown Wooten in Burlington, NC.
During and following his course of study at JIPM, he worked with Oiles America Corporation and DNP Imaging America Corporation, Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd.
Upon retirement, Clark settled at Lake Norman and shared his “people-skills” and great sense of humor with the Lake Norman Family Branch YMCA. He was called back into production, currently working with Stanza Machinery in Charlotte as their Operations Manager.
Clark was an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church, serving on the Vestry and as Junior Warden. He continued his lifelong membership in the Episcopal Church at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Huntersville. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of Cabarrus County.
As a lifelong car enthusiast, Clark was a member of the BMW Car Club of America and served as President of the Tarheel Chapter as well as many other positions. He was sought-after for his vast knowledge and love of BMW’s. He was also an instructor for the BMW Driving School, instructing across the United States.
His other lifelong passion was building model airplanes, cars, and others. He was a true historian of military aircraft and a very gifted artist and builder of scale replicas.
A friend to all animals, Clark was a huge supporter of pet adoption and was always reaching out to help an animal in need
Clark will be missed by many, many friends who enjoyed his kindness, his great sense of humor and his many essays, stories and adventures.
He is survived by his nephew, John Edward Austin, and his sisters, Suzanne Cook Howard (John), and Clare Cook Faggart (Jeff) and by his two beloved cats, Captain and Miss Kitty.
A graveside service celebrating Clark’s life will be held Sunday, August 25 at 2:00 on the Pfeiffer Circle at Oakwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lake Norman Humane at 2106 Charlotte Highway, Mooresville, NC 28117 or Lake Norman Family Branch YMCA at 21300 Davidson Street #8553, Cornelius, NC 28031 or to the charity of one’s choice.
Wilkinson Funeral Home of Concord, NC is serving the Cook family.