William Albert “Bill” Cook, 81, of Portsmouth, passed away on October 20, 2026, at Portsmouth Health and Rehabilitation. He was born on April 12, 1945, in Toledo, OH, to the late Lawrence Alvin “Cookie” and Alta Lorraine Gowdy Cook.
Bill retired after 15 years as a supervisor with the Scioto County Engineer’s Office. Earlier, he served as yard supervisor for the former Empire-Detroit Steel Corp. A U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War era, he received the National Defense Service Medal and belonged to James Dickey Post #23 of the American Legion.
After graduating from Portsmouth High School in 1965, Bill attended Ohio University-Portsmouth for two years. During his 35 years as a football and basketball official, he earned induction into the Ohio High School Officials Hall of Fame. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting and often said he had lived “a good life.”
Surviving Bill is his #1 Companion, Lois Fenton of Rosemount; a son, Dustin Cook of Portsmouth; and a daughter, Erica (Sam) Salyer of Lucasville; a sister, Susie Cook of Portsmouth; and three grandchildren, Nathan Salyer, Jordan Cook, and Zane Cook.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by two sisters, Judy A. Rowson, and Sharon L. Green.
A Memorial Service will be held at noon on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth with Rev. John Gowdy officiating. Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery with the James Dickey American Legion Post Honor Guard providing military rites.
The family will receive friends from 11 A.M. until the service hour on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, Bill requested that donations be made to the Portsmouth Chapter of Football or Basketball Officials.
