Mr. Gene Autry Cook age 75 of Blairsville passed away on Friday Jan. 6, 2017 in the Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital following an extended illness. Mr. Cook was born on July 7, 1941 in Union County, the son of the late Prince Byers and the late Anna Fay Cook. He was a native and lifelong resident of Union County. Gene had been employed with Arbor Acres and Georgia Boot for many years and also served as Jailor at the Towns Union Jail for many years. He was a loving father and grandfather. Gene’s family was his life. He was preceded in death by his parents and also two brothers, David and Randy Byers. Gene attended and was a member of Confidence Methodist Church.

Surviving Mr. Cook are one daughter and son in law, Julia and Sean Barnett of Blairsville, two sons and daughters in law, Tim and Robin Cook of Blue Ridge, Matthew and Jessica Cook of Blairsville, one sister and brother in law, Donna Kay and Tommy Dyer of Blairsville, one brother and sister in law, Kenny and Angie Byers of Marietta, eleven grandchildren, Justin and Jacob Cook, Katlin McClure, Julie Hopkins, Meagan, Chase, Madison and Mallory Barnett, Sarah, Conner and Grace Cook, five great grandchildren, several cousins, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Monday January 9, 2017 at 3:30 pm from the Mountain View Chapel with the Rev. Jerry Helton officiating. Special music will be presented by Ryan Wilson. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Justin, Jacob and Conner Cook, Chase Barnett, Doug Byers and Jason Webb. Interment will follow in the Confidence Methodist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Confidence Methodist Church in Gene’s memory. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Sunday evening from 6-9:00 pm. Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com