Edward (Ed, Eddie) Grey Cooke, 86, died February 6, 2022, in Jacksonville, FL, where he resided with his loving wife, Barbara.
Mr. Cooke was born May 3, 1935, in Pilot Mountain, NC, to Porter Cooke and Chonnie Denny. Ed grew up with four brothers, Phillip, James, William & Bruce. As a young man attending Granby High School in Norfolk, VA, Ed made phenomenal contributions to athletics, and, after becoming an outstanding athlete for University of Maryland, where Ed graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. Ed was the 3rd draft choice by the Chicago Bears. He played 9 seasons (AFL/NFL, LB and DE) for six teams: Chicago Bears, Baltimore Colts (Championship ring in 1959), NY Titans, NY Jets, Denver Broncos, culminating with the Miami Dolphins, as their first Captain in 1966. Ed retired in 1967 after his best year in football. Ed excelled in all athletics and loved the water, fishing, weight training, and living life to the fullest!
Following a successful football career, Ed became a successful entrepreneur and real estate developer. Ed developed and built the town of Greenbrier Chesapeake in Virginia. He brought Volvo to “his” town, became President of the Chamber of Commerce, flew his own small aircraft, enjoyed his own radio show, and “competed” in as many golf tournaments as time would allow, including the Tahiti Open!
He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Stark Cooke; two brothers; two daughters, Carolyn Cooke Elgin and Julie Ann Cooke; their spouses; and four grandchildren, Matthew, Andrew, Olivia, and Sydney.
