Philip Wells Cook, 50, passed away Friday, January 31, 2025 at Southeast Georgia Medical Center after a short illness.

He was born in Brunswick, GA to the late Herman Dwight Cook and Sylvia (Burnham) Cook. In addition to his father, he was pre-deceased by his grandparents Nathan Genie Cook, Lula Mae (Todd) Cook and Rev. Warren G. & Evelyn (Wells) Burnham as well as several aunts and uncles. Philip was a proud graduate of Glynn Academy, Class of 1993 and maintained many lifelong friendships with his classmates including Kevin Humphreys, Jason Sly and others. He later attended College of Coastal Georgia and East Georgia State College. He lived most of his life in Glynn County but had also lived a few years in Statesboro, Georgia and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. His sociability and love of people led Philip to employment with various jobs in the service industry, retail, cable and insurance sales. He was also a caregiver for his parents.

In his younger years, Philip was employed as a lifeguard, counselor, swimming instructor and a certification and safety trainer with Glynn County. He took his job seriously and was proud of his 100% success rate with rescues. He was a lifelong "beach bum" who enjoyed any and all activities related to the ocean and beach including swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, beach golf, maintaining his year around tan and hanging out with his friends. Philip had a big heart and greeted everyone with a huge smile. He had a special affinity for children who gravitated to him with excitement and anticipation since he was fun to be around. He loved deeply and ended every conversation with three simple words he said repeatedly: "I love you." The role and time in his life he most valued were his years as "Dad."

Philip is survived by his mother Sylvia (Burnham) Cook of Brunswick; his son Rowan "Wells" Cook of Valdosta; his daughter "Tatum" Reese Cook of Valdosta; his brothers Dwight Cook (Lynn) of Loganville and Hank Burnham of Athens (a first cousin he loved as a brother); his nephews Noah Cook (Libby) of Winder and Cooper Cook of Loganville; a great-niece Lennon Cook of Winder; his uncles, Kenneth Cook of Colorado; Ricky Cook of Eastman; Warren Burnham (Gayle) of Augusta and Tony Burnham (Claudia) of Jasper; his aunt Kaye (Burnham) Smith (Hal) of Eastman; several cousins and an amazing brown tabby Samantha Marie Cook "Sammie," who he entrusted to Hank.

In his life, Philip gave much love. In his passing, Philip continues to give love as an organ donor. He wished that his organs would give hope to recipients and provide an opportunity for them to lead a long and joyful life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Philip's memory may be made to the Lifelink Foundation at lifelinkfoundation.org/contribute or the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate . Funeral services will be private and will be held at a later date. Family can be contacted at : 156 Mackay Drive, Brunswick, GA 31525.