Since he was a young boy growing up in Moultrie, Ga., Sidney Johnston Cook III wanted to fly.
His dream came true when he graduated from the Aviation Cadets Training Program in June, 1955. He got his wings, his commission and a new bride all in one week.
He served three years in the United States Air Force before settling down with his wife, Melba Schwall, in metro Atlanta to begin a career as a commercial airline pilot with Southern Airways. Over his thirty-year airline career, Sid flew the DC-3, Martin 404, DC-9 and Boeing 757.
During Sid and Melba’s 59 happy years together, they had two children, Pam and Jeff. Sid touched many people’s lives along the way with his enthusiastic and generous personality.
In addition to his commercial flight career, his flying experience included hot air balloons and gliders. Sid ministered with several groups including prison visitation, as a church elder and put his skills as an amateur magician to good use with performances for youth and church groups.
In 1987, Sid retired from flying as his son was beginning a career as an airline pilot for American Airlines. Sid lived the rest of his life in Peachtree City, Ga. and Naples, Fla. and became known as “Dadaw”to his grandchildren.
He enjoyed tracking the conditions for his son’s airline flights, rooting on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, performing magic tricks for his five grandchildren and was always interested and delighted in each family member’s successes. He and the love of his life Melba also enjoyed traveling as they shared new experiences and enjoyed life together.
He graduated from Georgia Military Academy and attended Georgia Tech before joining the Air Force. He was a member of Southwest Christian Church. Sidney Cook III took his final flight home to heaven on Feb. 13 at the age of 80.
A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. at Parrott Funeral Home in Fairburn. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m., also at Parrott.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Sid’s honor to Grace For All Training and Benevolence Center for the Children of Ethiopia, Southwest Christian Church in East Point or the Atlanta Humane Society.
He is survived by his loving wife, his daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Jon Fausett, his son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Jennifer Cook, and his five grandchildren — Ryan Fausett, Drew Fausett, Ben Fausett, Lindsey Cook and Davis Cook.
Our family feels incredibly blessed and proud to have had him as a husband, father and grandfather. His top priorities of faith and family were never in question. We will carry his wonderful sense of humor, gentle spirit and consistent love and leadership with us always. Parrott Funeral Home and Crematory, 770-964-4800.
