Obituaries

Johnny Cooks

September 23, 1951 - July 09, 2025

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Obituary For Johnny Cooks

With humble respect, Sewell Mortuary in Grantville announces the transition of Johnny Cooks, age 73, on July 9th, 2025.

Funeral service will be held at 12 PM on July 21st, 2025, at Sewell Mortuary Chapel.

Viewing will be from 10 AM to 12 PM on Monday July 21st at the mortuary.

Johnny Alvin Cooks departed this world on July 9, 2025 at Brightmoor Hospice Center in Griffin, Georgia.

Johnny was born in Miami, Florida, September 23, 1951. He resided in Miami, Florida until 1960 and became a resident with his mother of Warren, Ohio that year. He was known for his football skills as a running back and captain of his team at Warren Western Reserve High School, where he lettered in football and track. He continued his education at Northwestern University being a running back. After graduation, he became a graduate assistant at Ball State University for one season, then becoming offensive back and receiver coach at Indiana State before moving on to become defensive end coach at Bowling Green in 1975. He then returned to Northwestern in 1976-77 to coach where he was known as an excellent recruiter.

After coaching, he went into the computer business for Honeywell Incorporation. He moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 1978 and started his trucking business in 1987 “MLC Enterprises” (named after his mother) and purchased a home in Grantville, Georgia in 2002 where he served on the City Council from 2010-2014.

Johnny had a love for bikes, golf and cars. His hobby of buying, tearing apart and rebuilding cars was exhibited in Grantville at his corner station lot. He was known for his big heart, easy laugh and wise words. To know him was to be seen, challenged and loved deeply.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Green-Cooks; his mother, Mary L. Williams of Newnan, Georgia; three daughters, Angel Cooks McMillian of Tallahassee, Florida, Alexandria and Jordan Cooks of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Jaden, Caleb, Mason, Madysin, Makenzie, Mariah, Jordan, Kamryn, Alijah, and Ace; four stepchildren, Michael Green, Paul Green, Ebony Rose Capers, Joshua Green; eight step-grandchildren; a special friend, Clarence Mason who was like a brother to him and a host of other family and friends.

Sewell Mortuary is honored to be entrusted with providing end-of-life services to the family of Johnny Cooks.

Program

Services

21 Jul

Public Viewing

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Sewell Mortuary 220 Charlie Patterson Rd Grantville, GA 30220 Get Directions »
21 Jul

Funeral Service

12:00 PM

Sewell Mortuary 220 Charlie Patterson Rd Grantville, GA 30220 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • July 21, 2025

    Kim Sasso

    Godspeed, old neighbor and friend! - kim

  • July 20, 2025

    ben sosby

    thanks for your service on the city council of Grantville. i lived in grantville when you was elected to office.i voting for you in 2010... thanks... RIP.... Ben Sosby..

  • July 16, 2025

    Jim Cickelli

    My condolences to his family along with his many friends. May he rest in peace.

  • July 16, 2025

    Jon Eickstead

    JC and I were on the coaching staff at Northwestern— May God bless and watch over his loved ones - Jon Eickstead

  • July 15, 2025

    Malcolm Hunter

    To the family of Johnny Cooks, I'm sorry for your loss. I played football at Northwestern when he was first hired there. He was a player's coach, maintained a positive attitude, and was always approachable. May God comfort you all with His Peace and His Presence as we join you in both mourning his loss as well as celebrating his legacy.

  • July 15, 2025

    Al Benz

    Johnny was a well liked and respected coach for us at Northwestern University. All of the players liked his energy and genuine relationships with the team members. We were close in age and mindset. Sorry for your loss of a wonderful man ! Mercedes Benz, class 1978

  • July 14, 2025

    Ona Rodgers classmate 1969

    To the family of Johnny Cooks ,no words can express my deep sorrow for your loss. Caring and comforting thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

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