Benny Wayne “Cookie” Cook, Jr., 66, of Kannapolis, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville.

Cookie was born February 5, 1960, in Iredell County, North Carolina to the late Benny Wayne Cook, Sr. and the late Sylvia Jeanette Daniels Strother.

He was also preceded in death by grandparents, Ben & Willie Faye Cook and Wade & Edna Daniels; and aunt, Linda Dean.

The family will receive friends for a Celebration of Life from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Whitley's Funeral Home; this will be an informal gathering so please feel welcome to dress casually, you can even wear your favorite band or sports T-shirt in honor of Cookie’s love for music and sports. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Unity United Methodist Church Cemetery in Kannapolis. Burial will immediately follow at Unity United Methodist Church Cemetery, 8502 Unity Church Road, Kannapolis.

Survivors include children, Jay Cook of Mooresville and Burke Cook of Mooresville; bonus-dad, Stephen Strother of Kannapolis; sisters, Kelly Dickson (Steve Shaw) of Rockwell and Holly Steele (Randy) of Kannapolis; extended family, Amy Dean, James Dean, and Robert Dean, Matthew Stirewalt, Trent Steele, and Alex Dean – all of Kannapolis; and grand-dog, Skye.

Cookie served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Fort Bliss, TX. He was a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. He also earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Pfieffer University. Cookie began his law enforcement career as a Rowan County Sherriff’s Deputy. He then served as a police officer for the Town of Mooresville where he was also their first D.A.R.E. officer. Cookie was also Chief of Police in Tryon, NC and later in Belmont, NC. Later, he was the Executive Director for the Cleveland County chapter of the Red Cross, security for Jerry Richardson’s family suite at Carolina Panther’s Games, and finished his career with Rowan Cabarrus Community College as adjunct instructor of Business Administration and Evening Services Coordinator.

Cookie was an avid sports fan and golfer. He also enjoyed 60’s & 70’s classic rock and Motown music.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at both The Landings of Cabarrus, Levine and Dickson Hospice House, and VIA Health Partners for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your local animal rescue or Levine and Dickson Hospice House.