Bobby Cook

Brother \"Curly\" Cook was truly a larger-than-life figure. His biography stands out not just for his Masonic service, but for his colorful background as a professional musician who toured the country before settling into a successful career in trucking. His dedication to the Lodge is evident in his completion of the full L.I.F.E. leadership curriculum before taking the East. Past Master Biography: Bobby Ford \"Curly\" Cook (1936 – 2021) Past Master: Lubbock Lodge No. 1392 Year Served: 2001–2002 I. Life & Career Early Life & Music Bobby Ford Cook was born on September 11, 1936, in Corinth, Mississippi, to Claud and Laura Leona Cook. Growing up in a cotton farming family, he often joked that his music career began when he converted the back of a cotton trailer into a stage to sing for a forced audience of neighborhood children. Affectionately known as \"Curly,\" he became a professional musician, leading the band \"Curly Cook and the Country Company.\" At the height of his career, he toured across the West, headlining at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. Even after stepping away from professional touring to focus on his family, music remained in his blood, and he later played gospel music in churches and nursing homes. Professional Life After his music career, Bobby transitioned into a successful tenure as a long-haul truck driver for Frito Lay, where he was respected for driving over one million miles accident-free. Never one to sit still, in his retirement he took up powerlifting, winning trophies and judging meets for the Natural Athlete Strength Association (NASA) well into his 70s. Character & Faith Though not born in Texas, he famously joked that he \"got to Texas just as fast as he could.\" He was known for his deep Southern colloquialisms—when told his children looked like him, he would reply, \"Well, my granddaddy always said that a good bull marks his calf.\" Above all, he left a legacy of deep faith in Jesus Christ. II. Masonic Journey Degree Work Initiated (EA): May 30, 1995 — Lubbock No. 1392 Passed (FC): October 17, 1995 — Lubbock No. 1392 Raised (MM): January 16, 1996 — Lubbock No. 1392 Memberships Lubbock Lodge No. 1392: Endowed Member (Dec 27, 1999). III. Service Record & Offices Held Brother Cook brought his natural leadership and charisma to the Lodge. He moved steadily through the line in the late 1990s. Demonstrating a commitment to doing the job right, he completed all three phases of the Grand Lodge\'s L.I.F.E. leadership program, finishing the Administration module just one month before being installed as Worshipful Master for the 2001 Masonic year. Lodge Leadership (Lubbock No. 1392) Worshipful Master: 2001–2002 Senior Warden: 2000–2001 Junior Warden: 1999–2000 Senior Deacon: 1998–1999 Junior Deacon: 1997–1998 Senior Steward: 1996–1997 Master of Ceremonies: 2003–2004 Esoteric Certifications L.I.F.E. Program: Introduction: Completed May 14, 1999. Operations: Completed April 14, 2000. Administration: Completed May 22, 2001. IV. In Memoriam Brother Bobby Ford Cook laid down his working tools on February 12, 2021, at the age of 84. Family: He was preceded in death by his wife of 31 years, Anna Raye Cook. He is survived by his children Cindy, Bobby, Tami, and Charles, as well as 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Services: Arrangements were handled by Sanders Funeral Home.