Harry Dean Cook

Sycamore, Alabama - Harry Dean Cook was born on December 13, 1952, in Sycamore, Alabama, to Mattie Lee Cook. When Harry Dean was only a few months old, his mother married G.W. Ashley, whom Harry lovingly and affectionately called “Daddy” for the rest of his life. 

At a young age, Harry Dean united with the Africa Baptist Church, where he professed his faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. He was educated in the Talladega County School System and graduated from R.R. Moton High School.

In his early years, Harry Dean married Bobbie Wilson Cook, and to this union, a precious daughter, Temecula Wilson, was born. Later in life, he was united in marriage with Denise Hughes Cook, and together they welcomed a son, Shannon Hughes, a daughter, LaToya Hughes Cook, and a cherished stepdaughter, Shawanda Hughes-Jones.

Harry Dean later relocated to Washington, D.C., where he dedicated more than 30 years of service to BFI Waste Management before retiring. He was a respected and active member of the Oxon Hill, Maryland, community. 

Harry Dean’s memory will be forever cherished by his four children: Shannon Hughes of Orlando, Florida; Temecula Wilson of Alexander City, Alabama;  Shawanda (Freddie) Hughes-Jones and LaToya Hughes Cook of Chelsea, Alabama. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Dion Hughes, Jerica Wilson, Javarius Wilson, MeAsia Stamps, Zyion Hughes, Cole Hughes, and great-grandchildren Maverick Truss, Jeriyah Thomas, Kruze Wilson, and Na’Lani Wilson. He is also survived by his step-grandchildren: Kiara Pope, Khalil Pope, and Te'Sean Jones.

He is lovingly remembered by sisters Linda (Gene) Finley of Sycamore, AL, Della (Robert) Gardner of Atlanta, GA, Brenda (Craig) Winrow, Margaret A. Gowdy and Robin Jones of Birmingham, AL, Nellie (Avery) McKinney, Cherry (Anthony) Peterson, Tammy Carter, Sandra (Ronny) Adamson, Deretha Green of Sylacauga, AL, and Marian Petty of Nashville, TN.

He is also lovingly remembered by brothers Dexter (Barbara) Green, Freddie (Cassie) Green, Orzell Green Jr. of Sylacauga, AL, James (Robia) Ashley and Aldren Ashley of Birmingham, AL, Charles Ashley, and Tyrone Ashley of Sycamore, AL, George Ricky (Thelma) Ashley of Talladega, AL, and Lewis Richard (Beverly) Cook of Oxford, AL.

He is also remembered by a devoted friend, Audra Swain of Alpine, AL.

He was preceded in death by his parents G.W & Mattie Cook Ashley, his siblings Nathan Cook, Nathaniel Cook, Clinton Cook, Pearl Gooch, and Constance Green.

Harry Dean Cook will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his loving family, many friends, and all whose lives he touched.

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