Jay Cook's Obituary
Jay was born August 23rd, 1954 in Fort Worth, TX to parents Tom Jr. and Billy Cook of Longview, TX. Jay graduated from Longview High School, class of 1973. Following graduation, Jay pursued a career in the oil and gas industry, succeeding his father, Tom Cook Jr. as president of Cook Exploration.
Jay was an avid hunter and sporting clays competitor. In 1983 he met what would be the love of his life and wife of 37 years, Brenda. They were married in 1988. Jay always wanted children and they were blessed with two daughters, Lindsey and Jennifer and son, Tom. Jay was a devoted and loving father who would do anything for his family. He would always make time for his children- whether that was teaching them to drive in the jeep around the farm or driving the boat around Caddo Lake. He always had words of wisdom or a life lesson available for his children or anyone in need.
Later in life, Jay was blessed with two grandchildren, Averie (Pa) and Gentrie (Bright Eyes). His love for them was shown every time they were together.
Jay passed away peacefully on June 3rd, 2026 at Baylor Hospital in Dallas, TX surrounded by his family. His passing leaves a gap that cannot be filled. He is preceded in death by parents Tom Jr. and Billy Cook. He is survived by wife, Brenda, daughter Lindsey, her husband Joshua Wilson, daughter Jennifer Cook, her wife Lauren Cook, son Tom Cook, granddaughters Averie and Gentrie Wilson, his sister Jeanne Cook Neely, executive assistant and right hand woman Tammie Lawrence, and long time devoted friend Dr. Charles Crumpler.
Funeral services for Jay will be held at The Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview on Monday, June 8 at 2pm, with the burial to follow at Memory Park Cemetery. A visitation will be held the evening before at the funeral home between 4 and 6pm
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