Clifton Cook

Clifton "Cliff" Cook was born July 28,1949 in Dyersburg, Tennessee to Lenora and Willie Cook. 

Cliff received his primary education in Indianapolis, Indiana at George Washington High School where he ran cross country winning 2nd place in the championship. He graduated in 1967 and joined the United States Military in 1968 as a soldier in the Army Color Guard and was honorably discharged on July 4, 1971. 

March 1, 1981, Cliff began road racing. He would later become one of Midwest’s well known SCCA racers winning 2nd place in the championship. He campaigned for Road & Track Magazine. 

Cliff worked at AT&T (formally known as Indiana Bell and Ameritech) for 30 years as an accountant for 5 years, and a Lineman for 25 years.

In 1995, Cliff would retire and take on several hobbies such as camping, fishing, working on cars, rebuilding computers, landscaping, capturing memorable pictures on camera, and making YouTube and TikTok videos; proving no matter any adversity in life, always follow your dreams and passion. In 2021, he celebrated his 40th anniversary with the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America).

Cliff was well known as a hard worker and enjoyed putting smiles on everyone’s faces. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand. He was loved and appreciated by many.

Clifton “Cliff” Cook departed this earthly life and transitioned to Heaven on Sunday, July 7, 2024. His father, Willie M. Cook; mother, Lenora Cook; brother, Calvin Cook; and grandson, Leon Bigbee, all preceded him in death.

Cliff leaves to cherish his memory: daughters, Kathie Cook and Deborah Byer; bonus son, Larry Mintze (Stacy); grandchildren: Ashley Cromwell, Asia Simmons and Da’Juan Davis; sister, Carolyn Cook-Cazzell; nephew, Robert “Bobby” Cook; uncle, Dave Cook (Betty); best friend and bonus son, Chris Witek (Morgan); and a host of loving family and friends.