Vernon Keith “The Godfather” Cook, age 66, of Shelbyville, TN passed suddenly from this life Saturday, October 9, 2021, at his home.

A native of Bedford County, Keith was born May 19, 1955, to the late Jesse Vernon and Wilda Faye Russell Cook. He is preceded in death by his 1st wife, Monica Dawn Parsons Cook, and brother, David Michael Cook.

Keith was a graduate of Shelbyville Central High School class of 1973, and attended Motlow State Community College. He started his working career at Empire Pencil, working his way up from the workshop to procurements. He had several other stops with companies through the years but ended up in his niche as the “God Father” with WLIJ AM Radio as a disc jockey and salesman. He spent over 20+ years advertising, sharing news, telling stories, hosting trivia, and being a supporter of his local community. He was a fun loving person who enjoyed woodworking, his dogs and being with family and friends.
                                                                              
Keith is survived by: loving wife of 8 years, Freda Baker Cook of Shelbyville; daughter, Keeley (Darrell) Graves of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Ava Blake and Sylvie Dawn Graves; sister, Valerie Cook (Rick) McConnell of Shelbyville; nephew, Phillip (Britney) McConnell; bonus children, Lori (Jeremy) Baker of Goodlettsville, and Mackenzie Capley of Shelbyville; bonus grandchildren, Kensley Capley, and Olivia Baker; and his beloved dog, Murphy.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 12, 2021, in the Chapel of Doak-Howell Funeral Home with Phillip McConnell officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be held prior to funeral service starting at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the New Destiney Dog Rescue at www.newdestinydogrescue.org or by mail: P.O. Box 707 Shelbyville, TN 37162.

Doak-Howell Funeral Home is serving the family.