Turner "Hot Dog Man" Cook March 10, 1924- April 3, 2008 COLUMBUS, GA— Turner "Hot Dog Man" Cook, 84, of Columbus died April 3, 2008 at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2008 at McMullen Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ronald Earles and the Rev. John Knighton officiating. Burial will follow at Parkhill Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Sonny Hall, James Cook, Kenneth Cook, Mike Merritt, Ronnie Earles and Gary O'Neal. Visitation will be held Friday from 6 until 8 p.m. at McMullen Funeral Home, 3874 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA. Mr. Cook was born March 10, 1924 in Barbour County, AL., the son of the late Bessie M. Johnson Cook and Henry T. Cook. Mr. Cook retired from Fleming Foods in June of 1985 at the age of 62. Two weeks later, he joined his son to become the first hot dog vendor in Columbus, GA. The Hot Dog Man's New York style cart could be seen each day, rain or shine, on Broadway between 11th and 12th Streets. Having a love for people, this was the perfect "job" for him. His homemade chili made by his wife, Sis was a staple with the downtown crowd. At the age of 83, he was working part time with his son Roy at Cook's Place until cancer got its grip on him. He fought a long hard battle but eventually gave in to God's calling to "come home". He would share his faith with anyone that would listen and even those that wouldn't. He was saved at the age of 12 and steadfastly held on to his Christianity until he took his last breath. Columbus has lost not only a gentleman, but also a gentle man. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Virginia Driggers Cook of Columbus; a daughter, Martha C. Earles and husband Ronald of Troy, AL.; son, Roy Cook and wife Teresa of Columbus; grandchildren, Ronnie Earles and wife Tamara of Auburn, AL. and Tracy Britt of Ladonia, AL.; three great grandchildren, Callie, Camilla and Emma Claire Earles, all of Auburn, AL. Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com. Published in the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer on 4/4/2008.