Coach Stacy Taron Cook, 43, longtime teacher and athletic trainer of Welaka, entered the sunset of life on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at Putnam Community Medical Center, Palatka.  A native of Palatka, he was the son of Stanley and Rosetta (Ashe) Cook, born on Monday, February 21, 1977.  Stacy was educated in the Putnam County School District and a 1996 graduate of Crescent City High School. He played high school football as a lineman, mainly center, for the Raiders and was on Crescent City's lone state championship team as a heavyweight lifter during his junior season.  He furthered his pursuit of education at Methodist University, Fayetteville, NC, majoring in Sports Medicine and Physical Education, earning his Bachelor's degree in 2000.  In 2003, he met and fell deeply in love with and subsequently married his devoted wife, Latina Hardy Cook. They became the proud parents of 2 sons, Jeremiah and Jeremie.  Stacy truly loved the Lord and grew up joyfully serving the Lord.  He was mentored by his maternal grandfather, Rev. Robert M. Ashe, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, where he was baptized.  He was ordained as a Deacon on April 1, 2017 at No Limit Praise Tabernacle of Deland by Pastor Mose Hawkins.  He was a member and Senior Deacon, serving at Victory Worship Center, Crescent City under the leadership of Pastor Vincent Oliver and Apostle Lillie Tuggerson, overseer and also served as producer for the church's Facebook live video streaming.  Stacy was initially employed in the Putnam County School District at Middleton-Burney Elementary School and subsequently, Crescent City High School. Stacy was an outgoing, positive-minded and likeable football assistant since 2005, athletic trainer; head coach of the girls weight-lifting and flag football programs as well as head track and field coach.  Deacon Cook, a man of integrity, had an immense heart filled with love for his family, church, students, and community. He was an avid sports fan, especially for the Florida State Seminoles. Stacy brought unspeakable joy to everyone he encountered with his even-keeled demeanor and optimistic personality.

His father, Stanley Cook preceded him in eternal rest on July 25, 2020 and his aunt, Darlene Cook on July 3, 2020; He is also preceded by paternal grandparents, Roy Samuel (Rosa Elizabeth) Cook; maternal grandparents, Rev. Robert M. (Rosa Bell) Ashe.

He leaves a legacy of life and love to cherish his memories: loving wife of 15 years, Latina Hardy Cook; sons , Jeremiah Cook, Jeremie Cook; mother, Rosetta Cook; mother-in-law , Tina Gilyard; sisters, Sylvia Cook Murphy, Vonetta (Kevin) Cook; brothers-in-law , D'Avaron Hardy and Bruce Hardy, Jr., godbrothers & godsisters, Keith Cazely, Rowland Simmons, Jennifer Cazely, Kelly Manning-Cain; "like daughters", Traveyanna McGee, Cy'Asia Nelson; nieces, Aniya Kilpatrick, Y'anna Kilpatrick, and Dr. De'Netta Harris, nephew, Antonio Murphy, Jr.; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and co-workers.

In compliance with CDC COVID-19 guidelines including required masks with social distancing, a visitation of family and friends will be from 8:30 a.m. -10 a.m. with a Homegoing Celebration of Stacy's life and legacy commencing at 10 a.m., Saturday, December 5 at Crescent City High School - Wisnoski Field at Wiltcher Stadium, 2201 US Highway 17, Crescent City, Florida 32112. Pastor Mose Hawkins, No Limit Praise Tabernacle of Deland, is the eulogist; Pastor Vincent Olliver, presiding. Interment will be in St. Johns Cemetery, Seville.