Col Michael Ranson Cook, USAF (Ret.)

Colonel Michael Ranson Cook, USAF, Retired, died at home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Sunday, July 31, 2022. Colonel Cook was born September 6, 1954, in Charlotte, NC. He was the son of the late Maurice Ranson Cook and Peggy Boyd Cook. The quintessential fighter pilot, he was affectionately known by his call sign “Cookie” to everyone, even long after he retired. A funeral with military honors will be held at Fort Jackson National Cemetery in Columbia SC on August 15, 2022 at 2:00 in the afternoon. The service will be officiated by Rev. Dr. William Stewart Rawson, brother in law of the deceased. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext, Columbia, SC is assisting the family. Mike is a graduate of TL Hanna High School in Anderson, SC. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University, he took his love of flying and desire to serve his country into a career in the United States Air Force. During his years of service, he earned a Master of Science degree from University of Southern California in Systems Management and a Master of Science degree from the National War College in National Security Strategy. Early in his Air Force career, Mike flew A10 bombers in Korea. After returning to the states, he was the youngest of nine test pilots chosen for the top secret F -117 Stealth Bomber trials while at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was an F-16 pilot by the time of the first Gulf War (Desert Storm), leading one of the first strikes on Baghdad. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism during this time as well as the Aerial Achievement Medal for flying over 30 combat missions. After time in the Middle East, Mike served at The Hague, Netherlands as an Air Force Liaison before returning to Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, SC as a Squadron Commander. At Peterson AFB, Colorado Springs, CO, he was Deputy Operations Officer of the Wing, receiving a Defense Superior Service Metal for his outstanding service at NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense) during the attacks on September 11, 2001. His final assignment was at Hill AFB in Salt Lake City, UT where he was Vice Wing Commander. Mike also received a Legion of Merit award for meritorious conduct in performance of service and the Meritorious Service Medal for distinguishing himself in achievement and service. After his retirement in 2004, he spent many years as a Senior Military Analyst, Program Manager, and Simulator Instructor in Sumter, SC. Mike is predeceased by his wife, Theresa Dyer Cook, and his parents, Maurice Ranson Cook and Peggy Boyd Cook. He is survived by his daughters, Michaela Christine Ray and her husband, Phillip Martin Ray; Caitlin Michelle Simmons and her husband, Joseph Zachary Simmons; sisters Marcia Cook Scarmardo and her partner, EJ Mayeaux; Pamela Plowden Rawson and her husband, William Stewart Rawson. He is also survived by his grandson, Wesley Andrew Ray. The family suggests memorials be sent to the following, Wounded Warrior Project (https://link.edgepilot.com/s/5abfce68/XFIEykQ9eEOwwSitPL6hbQ?u=http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/) or The Oliver Gospel Mission in Columbia, SC (https://link.edgepilot.com/s/e348260a/637pci84Zk_vcuE44jAz8w?u=http://www.olivergospel.org/).

Tributes

Col Michael Ranson Cook, USAF (Ret.)

September 6, 1954 - July 31, 2022