Samuel William Cook, 75, of 1679 Oak Park Court, Iron Station, N.C., passed away on the morning of Friday, October 20, 2023, following an extended illness.

He was survived by his wife of over 50 years, Marth Cook; son, David Cook; sister, Cathy Cook McNeely and brother-in-law, Carl McNeely; niece, Sarah McNeely Evans (husband Jason Evans and children Hannah, Joshuah, and Julianah); nephew, Richard McNeely (wife Summer and daughter Emmeline); and nephew, John Anderson (wife Jennifer and daughter Hayley and her husband Brodie).

Sammy was preceded in death by his parents, Esther William Cook and Virginia Lippard Cook; sister, Linda Cook Anderson; and brother-in-law, Tommy Anderson.

He was lovingly known as “The Grassman” and worked as the groundskeeper at the James K. Polk Homeplace for many years until he retired and worked part time at a church maintaining their grounds. Many friends and family enjoyed Sammy’s “hippie” lifestyle, wearing tie dye, round glasses and Chuck Taylors. There was never a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or greeting that he did not extend his favorite saying, “May the force be with you.”

A private graveside celebration of Sammy’s life will be at a later date.

The Good Samaritan Funeral Home of Denver, N.C., is honored to serve the Cook family.