The successful oyster producer of Bena lived to be 98 and in addition to his long legacy in the seafood business, carried on an active presence in his home county and left behind legacy contributions to many causes close to his heart. He died on Feb. 8, 2014. His obituary in the Feb. 13, 2014 Gazette-Journal began: “Eldridge N. Cook worked hard because he knew no other way, he gave back to his community contributing his time, sound business knowledge, and personal resources, because he believed this was the right thing to do. He loved and supported both family and friends because of his strong Christian faith. Mr. Cook, an extremely modest man despite his tremendous lifelong accomplishments and who was noted for his soft-spoken manner, quietly left us for eternal life Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, at the age of 98.” His wife and son had preceded him in death. Cook retired from his oyster company in 2010, when he was 94, completing a career of hard work that spanned more than seven decades—lo...