Willie Lee Cook (affectionately known as "Bardo", "Pop" or "Uncle Buster") was born April 12, 1932, in Salisbury, North Carolina. He was the eldest child of Anthony and Beulah Neely Cook.  In addition to his wife, Ella (Nevius) Cook, Willie was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Lewis David Cook Jr., and Walter Cook, four sisters, Lillie Mae Cook McLendon, Jean Cook McInnis, Barbara Ann Cook Evans, Frances Cook, Stepdaughter, Debra Nevius of Plainfield, NJ and a devoted companion, Ms. Sylvia Cooper of South Bound Brook, NJ.

Willie was educated in High Point City Schools. He moved to New Jersey and was employed for over 50 years. In 1993, he retired from the auto industry and relocated back to Greensboro, North Carolina.

Willie was a member of Good News Baptist Church where he was baptized in 2002. He always encouraged everyone to give their life to Christ and be baptized. He consistently reminded us by saying, "As long as you have Jesus in your heart you'll be just fine!" He filled the world with his wise counsel as many sought his wisdom and advice to traverse life's journey.  He also had a keen sense of humor and was full of jokes and laughter. He will always be remembered as one who looked for, and found, the proverbial silver lining.

He took great pride in the accomplishments of his family members and friends! Willie enjoyed and had such pride in keeping his lawn immaculate.  Everyone who knew Willie knew he also loved going to Bojangles and Churches chicken, as well as bragging about the delicious homecooked meals prepared by his daughter, Patricia (Patty). Willie recently celebrated his 89 ^th birthday with friends and family at one of his favorite restaurants, Golden Corral, a place that he loved going to on a regular basis with his brother Leon to talk and reminisce about "the good old times".  He was a conscientious member of the community and was active in his local neighborhood watch. Pop enjoyed life, and he did live a long, prosperous and fruitful life by keeping Jesus in his heart.

Willie is survived by (Siblings): Leon Eugene Cook, of Greensboro NC, Linda Cook-Hodnett of Greensboro NC, Josephine Cook Hayes, Shirley Cook Griffin, both of High Point, NC, (Children): Leon Cooper, of Jacksonville, NC,  Willie (Jack) Cook, Jr., of High Point, NC, Anthony Nevius of Greensboro, NC, Paulette Gladney of Greensboro, NC, Lisa Jackson of South Bound Brook, NJ, Patricia Nevius of Greensboro, NC, and Loreen "Tutti" Kinlock of South Bound Brook, NJ. (Stepchildren): Michael Nevius of Atlantic City, NJ, Leroy Nevius of Greensboro, NC and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, July 16, 2021 at the Goldie Hargett Memorial Chapel, 905 E. Market Street, Greensboro. A homegoing celebration will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021.  Visitation with the family begins at 11:00 am followed by the service at 12:00 pm.  The service will be live streamed and the password is cook071721