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Celebrating the life of

Hurley Sellous Cook, Jr.

August 25, 1944 - January 21, 2026

Hurley Sellous Cook, Jr.

Hurley S. Cook, Jr. was born in Pensacola, Florida on August 25, 1944, to Hurley S. Cook, Sr. and Johnnie Merritt Cook. Hurley’s father was in the U.S. Navy, so the family moved during his early years (Birmingham, AL; Gadsden, AL; Charleston, SC; and Orange, TX) before his father worked, then retired, in Durham, NC.

Hurley attended Northern High School in Durham; playing football and baseball (earning MVP honors for baseball his senior year).  He then attended Auburn University, graduating with an Industrial Engineering degree in 1967. Auburn is also where he met and fell in love with Brenda Kicklighter. They were married in September, 1967; both graduating in December.

Hurley then attended the Air Force Officer’s Candidate School San Antonio, TX. He was stationed at Eglin AFB, FL as a brand new Second Lieutenant. He served in the Air Force Foreign Technology Division and the Guns and Rockets Development Divisions a total of 4 years, attaining the rank of Captain.

In December 1971, he received an honorable discharge from the Air Force and moved his family (Brenda and Trey) to Savannah, GA, and joined Savannah Tire & Rubber Company, a local business established in 1951, by his father and mother-in-law, M. J. Kicklighter and Dorothy Kicklighter. He would work with Savannah Tire, joined in 1995 by his son, Trey, until his retirement and the sale of the company in 2015.  He often commented that it was the employees he worked with at Savannah Tire that made the company great … and provided a family atmosphere for those who chose to help build a small, 3-store retail automotive service operation into a 9-store, industry-recognized, retail tire and service leader.

Hurley loved ordering appetizers, funny movies, old westerns, laughing, reading, challenging puzzles, playing cards with his grandchildren, and sharing what he had with others. He was humble, generous, funny, kind, bold, and unselfish. His family is what really mattered most to him, and known as “Pop,” he traveled far and wide to support his 4 grandchildren in sports and in life. He taught his family that if you find a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life; that today is your day, and no one can ruin it; that worrying about something will never solve it; and that life will be far more enjoyable with a sense of humor.

Hurley had a strong faith and was active locally in the Methodist Church, serving as chair of the Administrative Board and Trustees at White Bluff UMC; and later, as chair of the Trustees at Isle of Hope UMC; and Finance Committee of Skidaway Island Methodist Church.  He was a charter member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Savannah South, retiring with 30 years of perfect attendance. In retirement, Hurley enjoyed golf with close friends and family and fishing around his Moon River home.

In addition to his wife of 58 years, Brenda, he will be deeply missed by his son Hurley S. Cook, III – Trey – (Libby), daughter Marla Grady (Alexander), grandsons Jack Cook (Mallory Morris) and Carson Grady, and granddaughters Lainey Cook (Thomas McCarthy) and Mary Paige Grady, sister and brother-in-law (Dick and Mary Ann McCabe of Pensacola, FL) and brother (Barry A. Cook of Pensacola, FL), and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at the Fox & Weeks Hodgson Chapel. The Funeral service will be at 10:00 am on Monday, January 26, 2026 at the Skidiway Island Methodist Church. The Burial will immediately follow the service at Bonaventure Cemetery. 

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

Brenda, Trey, Marla and family....Angela and I extend our deepest sympathies. It goes without saying that we were crushed by the news of our fellow Berean passing. The consolation being that we know without hesitation that Hurley is with our Lord and Saviour forever and ever. We will cherish all the fun we had at the wonderful Christmas parties and honor his commitment to our Sunday school class. God Speed Hurley, your work here is done. Michael & Angela

- Michael & Angela Phillips, Savannah, Georgia

What a genuinely fine man! His Christian spirit shone through in all he did. Hurley will be missed by not only his family, but by the entire Savannah community.

- Judson Hendry, Savannah, GA

Dear Brenda and family, Please know that our hearts and prayers are with you all, as we hold on to the treasured memories we have of Hurley. What a wonderful gentleman he always was. May you lean on our Lord's promises, feeling HIS peace and presence, as HE carries you through the days ahead. Trusting HIM always, Jo & Joe

- Jo & Joe Gamble, Savannah, GA

To us he was Uncle Cookie and one of the finest men any of us, his nephew and nieces, ever had the blessing to know. I don't think I ever saw him flustered. Always calm, funny, and with a warmth that glowed around him. Our love and respect will continue for him and for the legacy he has built. Much love to Aunt Brenda, Trey, and Marla and their families. We are longing to hug you all soon.

- Sharon E Chester, Pensacola Beach, FL

Brenda, Trey and Marla Space here does not allow us to convey our love for you and family. Hurley, Jerry, Trey Brandon , and Trevor. Playing ball in the front yard. Car pools together, ball games to mention a few. Your awesome family will be in our hearts forever. We will meet again someday, until then may God continue to to bless and protect You. With Love Jerry Mary Alice

- Jerry and Mary Alice, Savannah, GA

We send our condolences and thoughts and prayers.

- Hiram and Bonnie Cook, Pace, Fl

Brenda, Trey, Maria and all the family. Kathryn and I are sorry to see that Hurley had passed. He was a true southern gentleman and an asset to the community.we send our sincere condolences. May God wrap his glorious arms around all of you and give the family peace.

- Frank & Kathryn Murray , Pembroke, GA

Ms Brenda, Trey, Marla and family my deepest condolences on the loss of HC, as we called him within the inner circle of Savannah Tire. As most of us talked amongst each other of hearing the sad, shocking news of his passing, words of admire, admiration, respect, mentor, great man was stated in one way or another. As someone said " He was one of the great ones ". He will indeed be forever remembered of the impact he made on the men and women who proudly worked for him and the many within the community and abroad. May God strengthen you, comfort you and bless you in abundance Gary Fowler

- Gary M Fowler, Savannah, GA

I am so sorry. He was a kind man and his presence was felt wherever he was.

- Carolyn Hannaford, Savannah, GA

I had the privilege of serving on Trustees at Isle of Hope UMC with Hurley as our chair. What an incredible leader he was! I learned so much about how to accomplish God's work together. He was never too busy to take my calls and was generous with his time with all of us lucky enough to serve on that committee. My condolences to his precious family, particularly my friends Brenda and Marla, who inherited her father's sense of humor! God bless you all! Martha Nesbit

- Martha Nesbit, Savannah, Georgia

We were saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our neighbor Mr. Hurley Cook on 1/21/26. Susan and I send our deepest condolences to his wife and entire family. Rest in Peace Hurley and thank you for being a great neighbor here on Burnside Island.

- John and Susan McManus, Savannah , Ga

Bill and Evelyn Rodgers here So sorry for your loss, Brenda. Hurley was and good friend and fraternity brother and will certainly be missed. Many great memories. God Bless

- William Rodgers, Kingston Springs, TN

We are very sorry for your family's loss. Mr. Cook's memory will be eternal, as an esteemed businessman who cherished time with his family. You are in our prayers.

- Meg and Joseph Hollis, Savannah, GA

Brenda. I am so sorry to hear about Hurley. May all your wonderful memories sustain you and family during this time of grief.

- Gwen Miller Parker, Canton, GA

Brenda,Trey,Marla and all family, my heart aches for your entire family. Mr. Cook was one of the most esteemed men I've ever known. I truly have the upmost respect and appreciation for him and feel very blessed to have had a relationship with him. He was a humble servant to the lord and touched many people with his love and kindness. I have fought the good fight,I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 God Bless You All. Steve Grissom

- Steve K Grissom, Guyton, GA

Brenda, Trey, Marla, please know of my love and prayers for you and your family. I remember Hurley's keen sense of humor, kindness and love for his family and friends during our tenure at Isle of Hope UMC. May peace and love be with each of you in the days, months and years ahead. Mavis Trice

- Mavis Trice, Macon, GS

Miss Brenda Trey Marley and the whole cooked family I had never met a man out of respected or admired most when I went to work at Savannah tire within the first two weeks I knew this is where I wanted to be he had more integrity and the respect he got from others he more than earned when my daddy passed he came to the funeral home to console me and he will never ever know how much that meant to me I love you all and I will always be part of the Savannah tire family cuz that's what we were a family God bless and may God keep him in the palm of his hand

- Lita Hawkins Gonzales, Guyton, GA

A candle has been lit!

Praying for your family. May the Lord bless you and heal your broken hearts. Barabara Watson

- Barbara Watson, Savannah , GA

We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Asking God to hold you close and comfort you. It was our pleasure to know him.

- Richard and Sharon Parkman , Hiawassee , Ga

Our sincere condolences to you and your family. May his memory bring you comfort, and may you find strength and peace during this difficult time.

- Jennifer Hulett & Storage Master Team, Macon, GA

We are so sorry to learn of Hurley's passing. He was a dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brenda and his family

- Billy and Harriett Sanders, Savannah, GA

It was a great privilege to do business with Hurley during my career with Southern Bell. His business ethics enabled our companies to achieve an extremely cost effective relationship. It was a pleasure knowing him !!

- Lynn Z Wardlaw, Savannah, GA

Brenda, I am so sorry to hear of the lids of your husband. Please always take time and remember the good time that you've had and laugh at many of the memories as he would want you to do. Thinking of you at this time.

- Camille Puckett, Peachtree Cor, GA

Great man to work for.

- Curt tanner, Springfield , Ga

Brenda, I was sorry to hear about Hurley's passing. I always looked up to him as a quiet, mature and humorous fraternity brother. The coolest guy in the house and the man who snagged the chapter sweetheart!

- Russ McKnight, Aiken, SC

Hurley was a fraternity brother at Auburn, and married the fraternity sweetheart! Many great times were spent at football games. And so much more. A fine man who gave his best and his all to everything he ever did. And is and will be missed!

- Gerald Rutberg, Orlando, FL

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200