Wayne "Top" Cook, age 79, of Rutherfordton

Wayne "Top" Cook, age 79, of Rutherfordton, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

Wayne was born 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. 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. Wayne also worked for Microsoft Corporation in Seattle as a software tech and developer.

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

The funeral was held October 27 in the chapel at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, with Chaplain Jill Johnson officiating. Full military honors were accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.

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

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.