PILOT MOUNTAIN- Burley Boyd Cook, age 80, of Cook School Road in Pilot Mountain, departed this life on Nov. 4, 2009.

He was born June 5, 1929, the last of seven children, to Powell Shepherd Cook and Mary Elizabeth Simmons Cook.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, the Rev. Joseph Wesley Cook, Alfred Franklin Cook, William Virgil Cook and Edward Daniel Cook; and by two sisters, Delia Adeline Cook and Nelia Vora Cook Jessup.

Burley was also preceded in death by the love of his life, Catherine E. Jennings.

He lived his entire life on the farm where he was born.

He worked alongside his parents, brothers and sisters on the family tobacco farm in the early years.

In later years, he raised cattle and vegetables for market with his brother, Edward.

He always had a wonderful, well-manicured vegetable garden, even up until the time of his death.

He especially loved raising tomatoes.

He spent countless hours outside in his back yard observing and enjoying nature.

He was very much attuned to wildlife, plants and trees, and especially enjoyed the coming of spring.

He is survived by several nieces and nephews.

He will be especially missed by his niece, Ruth Simmons, who lived beside of him and cared for him.

Burley served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict, and was of the Baptist faith.

Burley was a man of strong convictions and opinions, and did not hesitate to share them.

There will be a memorial service for Burley on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. at Cox-Needham Funeral home with the Rev. Gene Brinkley officiating.

The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service, and other times at the home of Ruth Simmons.

Interment will follow at a later date.

Cox-Needham Funeral Home of Pilot Mountain is assisting the Cook family.