Orville Heath Cook

Orville Heath Cook June 20, 1930 – September 26, 2026 Georgetown, Kentucky, mourns the loss of a beloved community stalwart, Orville Heath Cook, who passed away after a brief battle with aspiration pneumonia. Born on June 20, 1930, in Georgetown, Orville's life was a testament to dedication, service, and love. Orville was the cherished son of Harold (Harry) Cook and Ruth Kidwell Cook. He was predeceased by his loving parents, his sister Helen Frances Daugherty, and his brother Charlie Bill Cook. He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion in his surviving family: his beloved wife of 48 years, Mattie Woods Cook; his daughters, Dana Kaye Cook and Lisa Jane Cook; his son, Richard (Rick) Cook, and Rick's wife, Laura Price Cook. His memory is also cherished by his grandchildren, Shawn Wylie, Jason Wylie, Jeremy Richard Cook, and Amy Lynn Cook, and a great-grandson, Joseph Wylie, Adam Johnson, Shelby Paske. Orville's extended family includes his nephews Robert Cook Daugherty, Jeffrey Michael Fike, and Robert Woods; nieces Carin Sanders and her husband Scott Sanders, Brenda, and their daughter Jennifer Sanders; nephews Billy Woods, Jr.; and his brother-in-law Billy Woods, sister-in-law Loretta Reynolds, and Roy Reynolds. He was also blessed with a wide circle of nieces, nephews, and dear friends, including Glenn Smith and Jeff Gardner. Orville married the love of his life, Mattie Woods, on New Year's Day, 1979, at Trinity Hills United Methodist Church, beginning a partnership that would span nearly five decades. He was a proud graduate of Garth School in Georgetown, class of 1949, and embarked on a varied and fulfilling career. Known for his sharp mind and ability to fix almost anything, Orville often joked about being a "jack of all trades, master of none." His professional journey included roles at A&P, Sears, and Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, but it was with the Lexington Fire Department that he found his true calling. Orville served the Lexington Fire Department with distinction for 28 years, retiring as a Major. His passion for the fire service was unparalleled, and he was instrumental in developing the department's first aid unit, known as "the BUGGY." A skilled first aid instructor, Orville attended the National Aquatic School in New York and earned the title of National Polar Bear. His commitment to public safety extended beyond firefighting, as he also operated an ambulance service, introducing the first ambulance at Keeneland. After his retirement, Orville returned to his hometown of Georgetown, where he continued his legacy of service as the Chief of the Georgetown Fire Department, effecting transformative improvements during challenging times. Throughout his life, Orville was a dedicated Boy Scout leader and an active member of the Masonic Lodge in Lexington. Orville was a man of many talents and passions. He found great joy in hunting and fishing, especially turkey and deer hunting with his fire department colleagues and family. He was a craftsman at heart, known for his exquisite black powder rifles, which he often gifted to friends and family. His quick wit, can-do attitude, and unwavering love for his family were hallmarks of his character. A celebration of Orville's life will be held on October 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Tucker Yocum & Wilson Funeral Home, located at 320 W Main Street, Georgetown, KY 40324. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of the donor's choice in Orville's memory. As we remember Orville, we celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.