Friday, July 31, 2026 11:48 am

Randy O.C. Cook III, 78, of Casar, passed away peacefully at his home on July 29, 2026.

Born on February 11, 1948, in Cleveland County, Randy was the son of the late Quinton O.C. Cook and Judith Earl Cook. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Cook.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Brenda Spangler Cook; his son, Clinton Cook and wife, Karin, and grandsons Turner and August Cook, all of Casar; his daughter, Dixie Wall and husband, Steve, and grandchildren Callie Cooke, Cooper Cooke, and Victoria Wall, also of Casar.

Randy devoted most of his professional life to education, teaching at West Cleveland, Crest, and Burns Middle School. Throughout his career, he inspired generations of students while teaching a variety of subjects, including earth science, shop, photography, and technology. He also coached basketball at West Cleveland and Crest Junior High, officiated local high school basketball games, and drove a school bus for more than 20 years.

Service to others was a defining characteristic of Randy's life. As a teenager, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout, an achievement that reflected the values of leadership and service he carried throughout his lifetime. He later became a founding member of a service fraternity at Appalachian State University, where he earned his degree. His commitment to his community continued for decades through volunteer service on the Casar Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors, the Cleveland County Planning Board, as a founding member of the Cleveland Agricultural Advisory Board, as a Cub Scout leader, a Girl Scout volunteer, and a youth basketball and baseball coach. Even in retirement, he found joy in coaching his grandson's YMCA basketball teams.

Randy was admired for his exceptional work ethic and his willingness to lend a helping hand. As a high school student, he drove a school bus--a job that introduced him to the love of his life, Brenda, whom he would later marry. While attending Appalachian State University, he worked both in maintenance and in the student center to help pay his way through college.

Outside the classroom, Randy possessed an extraordinary talent for carpentry, construction, and repairing just about anything, particularly tractors and farm equipment. During summer breaks from teaching, he renovated homes throughout Cleveland County, earning a reputation for craftsmanship, ingenuity, and an ability to solve even the most challenging problem.

Randy had a lifelong love of agriculture, particularly cattle farming at his home. His and Brenda's commitment to agriculture was recognized when they were named the Cleveland County Conservation Farm Family of the Year in 2002. In the 1980s, he and Brenda ventured into poultry farming, eventually managing three poultry houses. In 2005, Randy combined decades of practical experience with his entrepreneurial spirit by co-founding Absolute Poultry Equipment with Brenda. Through the business, he enjoyed working alongside poultry producers across the region, providing equipment installation, maintenance, repair services, and trusted advice born from a lifetime of hands-on experience.

Above all else, he cherished his family and loved spending time with them. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a loyal friend, and a man whose quiet generosity, unwavering integrity, and servant's heart touched countless lives. His legacy will live on in the many people he taught, mentored, encouraged, and loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home, with Rev. Brent Fulbright officiating.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Memorials may be made to South Mountain State Park, 3001 South Mountain Park Ave., Connelly Springs, NC 28612 (make checks to The Friends of South Mountain State Park)

Online condolences can be made at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center-Fallston.