William Fred Cooke, age 83, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. He was born on January 25, 1942, in Carroll County, Georgia, to the late Ralph William Cooke and Nellie Huckeba Cooke.

Called to preach at the young age of 13, Bro. Fred dedicated his life to ministry and faithfully served as pastor at several churches including Raymond Baptist Church in Raymond, GA; New Hope Baptist Church in Newnan, GA; Corinth Baptist Church in Bremen, GA; Concord Baptist Church in Draketown, GA; Ephesus Baptist Church in Ephesus, GA; Roopville Baptist Church in Roopville, GA; and Shiloh Baptist Church in Graham, Alabama. After decades of pastoral service, he retired as Director of Missions for the Randolph County Baptist Association.

In addition to his ministry, Bro. Fred was a U.S. Army veteran and a man who found joy in working with his hands—farming, gardening, landscaping, and tinkering with tractors. Above all, he cherished his family and took great pride in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Cooke; daughter and son-in-law, Jenny and Dayrel Strickland; honorary daughter, Kim Minick; grandchildren, Andrew (Mary Beth) Strickland, Allie Tanner, Kate Tanner (Tyler) Eady, Tyler (Hillary) Tanner, Hannah Cooke (Gabe) Cruz, Natalie (Cody) Cooke, Tray (Katie) Strickland, Roxy Johnson (Tanner) Robinson, and honorary grandchild, Brittany (Brian) Naples-Dutton; great-grandchildren, Emma Grace Tanner, Remy Tanner, Jaxson Tanner, Maddie Eady, Paisley Grace Eady, Ansley Strickland, Henry Strickland, Caroline Strickland, Addie Parker Strickland, Gunner Strickland, Willow Strickland, Kaylee Johnson, Karoline Johnson, Karleigh Keith Johnson, Vincent Cole Cooke, and Elora Estrella Cruz; honorary great-grandchildren, Jackson Riley and Luke Naples-Dutton.

He is also survived by his brothers, David (Janice) Cooke, Mike (Janice) Cooke, and Kerry (Debbie) Cooke; and honorary brother, Robert Sauls; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Jeffery Cooke and Joe Cooke; brother, Alan Cooke; and sister, Reba Parson.

The family will receive friends at Almon Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 23, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held Thursday, April 24, at 2:00 PM at Tabernacle Baptist Church with Rev. Kerry Cooke and Rev. Mary Lou Grimmett officiating, and eulogy given by his daughter, Jenny Strickland. Music will be provided by Kevin Cooke and Allie Tanner.

Pallbearers will be Tyler Tanner, Tyler Eady, Rusty Cooke, Dave Cooke, Carl Cooke, and T.J. Yarbrough. Interment will follow at Center Point Cemetery with Rev. Rob Sauls officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Messages of condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.almonfuneralhome.com.

Almon Funeral Home of Carrollton has charge of arrangements.