Dr. Russel Cook

Published 10:31 am Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Dr. Russel Cook was the most caring, toughest, humble man anyone could meet.   Born in Rocky River, Ohio, he moved to North Carolina in 1969 to attend Duke University and Wake Forest University School of Medicine.  In 1980, he moved to Washington and began practicing medicine at Washington Pediatrics.

Dr. Cook provided medical care to three generations of Eastern North Carolina children.  If he knew of a community need, he met it – whether it be through his service on the Beaufort County Board of Education and Beaufort County Board of Health; by sponsoring and coaching youth sports team; or by donating to community organizations and projects.

He loved history, nature, his dogs, and Duke Basketball.

Dr. Cook passed away on April 25, 2025, having previously defeated two cancers, with his wife of 52 years Dr. Lis Cook and his two sons, Rhys and David, holding his hand.  He loved them, his daughters-in-laws Margo Maes and Larisa Hernandez, and his two grandchildren Tristan Russel Cook and Emma Elisabeth Cook more than anything on earth.  He fought extremely hard for a very long time to be with them.   As he became more limited physically – never losing his will, spirit, or mental acuity – he’d find new ways to participate in their lives and support them.

He aways acted quietly, compassionately, and never asked for a single thing in return.

No services are planned at this time.

 In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to either:

• Arizona State University Institute of Human Origins Donald C. Johanson Paleoanthropological Research Endowment, https://iho.asu.edu/support-iho

• Duke Lemur Center, https://lemur.duke.edu/donate/

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Cook family.