Edwin Albert "Capt. Ed" Cook

Edwin Albert Cook, Sr., “Capt. Ed,” passed away Tuesday, February 13, at his Fernandina Beach residence at the age of 96.

Born in the Nassauville area of Fernandina Beach, he was a life-long resident of the area.

He was a member of Springhill Baptist Church, Free and Accepted Masons Lodge #47 and Fernandina Beach Shrine Club.

Capt. Ed was predeceased by his wife, Stella T. Cook; grandson, Glenn Cook; his parents, Dave and Annie Cook; three brothers, Hilton Cook, Junior Cook and John Cook; and three sisters, Agnes Wilder, Vinnie King and Louise Brown.

Survivors include five sons, Edwin “Kilroy” Cook, Jr. (Angela), Theodore David Cook (Eileen), Joseph Vincent Cook, Jackie Lamar Cook (B. J.) and Larry Roosevelt Cook; a daughter, Kathie Foster (Donnie); three sisters, Annie Ornez Jones, Martha Readdick and Peggy Strickland (Alvin); sister- in -law, Marlene Crum; 13 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Capt. Ed became a shrimp boat captain at the age of 16 and was one of the founders of the Fernandina Beach Shrimp Festival (in the early days known as The Shrimp Boat Races).  He operated shrimp boats for over 60 years including the “Annie Janet,” “Maybelle,” “Florida Girl,” “Florida Boys,” “The Beach King,” “Lady Stella,” and “Capt. D.A. Cook Sr.” He was the owner of E.A. Cook Seafood in Fernandina Beach and Big Oaks Seafood in St. Mary’s, GA.

He enjoyed hunting marsh hen and loved to fish for trout, drum and other fish – basically, he enjoyed doing just about anything on the water. He loved travelling in his motorhome with his wife, family, and friends. He loved his family and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, February 19, at Springhill Baptist Church.  The family will receive friends from  1 p.m. until the time of service Monday at the church.  Interment will follow in Springhill Baptist Church Cemetery. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers including Davey Cook, Jeremey Cook, Mark Cook, Jim Cook, Josh Cook, Toby Cook, Jody Cook, and Daniel Foster.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be made to Community Hospice & Palliative Care at www.communityhospice.com.