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Robert Ripley
Cook
Jun 4, 1933 — Jul 27, 2026
Midway
Saturday
Baker McCullough Funeral Home, Hodgson Memorial Chapel
2:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
Saturday
Baker McCullough Funeral Home, Hodgson Memorial Chapel
3:00 - 4:00 pm (Eastern time)
Robert “Bob” Cook, respected attorney, former Probate Court Judge of Chatham County, devoted family man, and proud Georgia Bulldog, passed away peacefully at his home in Midway, Georgia, on July 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 4, 1933, Bob lived an extraordinary life defined by faith, integrity, service, and an unwavering devotion to his family and community.
A proud graduate of the University of Georgia and the University of Georgia School of Law, Bob began practicing law in Savannah in 1965. He dedicated more than six decades to the legal profession, continuing to practice until the age of 93. Throughout his distinguished career, he served as Judge pro tem of the Tybee and Thunderbolt Municipal Courts and was elected to three terms as Probate Court Judge of Chatham County. He earned the respect of colleagues, clients, and the community through his wisdom, fairness, compassion, and commitment to justice.
While his accomplishments in the courtroom were many, Bob's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, Papa, great-grandfather, mentor, and friend. Alongside his beloved wife, Jane, Bob built a home in Midway that became the heart of the family. Holidays, birthdays, legendary Lowcountry boils, lively karaoke parties, and countless family gatherings filled the home with laughter and love. Everyone was welcome, and the memories made there will be treasured for generations.
Bob poured his heart into his children and grandchildren, spending countless hours coaching youth basketball, football, and baseball. He taught far more than the game itself—he instilled discipline, sportsmanship, perseverance, humility, and the importance of always doing what was right. His influence reached well beyond youth sports and shaped the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him.
A lifelong Georgia Bulldog, Bob remained a proud supporter of the University of Georgia throughout his life. He also proudly considered himself a "Yellow Dog Democrat," a title his family lovingly teased him about for years. He often joked that he'd vote for a yellow dog before he'd vote for a Republican, a saying that reflected both his lifelong political loyalty and the good-natured humor that was such a memorable part of who he was. Whether discussing politics, cheering on the Bulldogs, or entertaining everyone with karaoke, Bob had a way of bringing people together.
Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jane Cook, and his cherished sons, Rip Cook and Mike Smith.
He is survived by his children: Vicky Cook Taylor (Mike Lamb), John Cook (Laura), Tommy Cook, and Patrick Cook (Deann); stepchildren: Bart Smith (Lee) and Beth Terra; 14 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; extended family; and many dear friends, colleagues, and former clients whose lives were forever touched by his kindness, generosity, wisdom, and quiet strength.
Those who knew Bob will remember his sharp wit, gentle heart, steadfast character, unwavering sense of honor, and contagious sense of humor. He believed in hard work, keeping your word, serving others, and making family the center of life's greatest blessings.
His legacy lives on through his distinguished legal career, his years of public service, and, most importantly, through the family he loved so deeply. Though he will be profoundly missed, his example, stories, laughter, and unconditional love will continue to guide those who knew him.
The family finds comfort knowing Bob has been reunited with Jane, the love of his life. His memory will forever remain a blessing for all who knew him.
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