Wayne "Top" Cook

Wayne “Top” Cook, age 79, of Rutherfordton, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at his home.

Wayne was born Wednesday, October 23, 1946 in Burlington, NC to the late William Edward Cook and Maxine Nicholson Cook. He was a graduate of Walter M. Williams High School in Burlington, class of 1965. Wayne was a proud and decorated Marine who honorably served in Vietnam and was a Master Sergeant. He furthered his education at Wingate Jr. College and finished his formal education at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro where he earned a bachelor’s degree. Wayne also worked for Microsoft Corporation in Seattle as a software tech and developer. Wayne enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, was a gun enthusiast and an avid fisherman.

Those left to honor his legacy include his loving wife, Angie Cook and brothers, Ed Cook (Sandi) of Camarillo, California and Steven Cook of High Point, NC.

The funeral service will be conducted at 10:00 am on Tuesday, October 27th in the chapel of the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC with Chaplain Jill Johnson officiating. Full military honors will be accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard. Burial will follow in the cemetery.

Memorials to honor Wayne may be made to any Veteran’s Service organization of choice or to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.