CHARLESTON â Businessman Douglas Ray Cook, of Charleston, died May 5 at age 86, but is being remembered as a man who was always willing to help others.
âHe was such a kind man, and he genuinely cared for people,â recalled Mary Ann McClure, of Madison, West Virginia. âHe was always quick to jump in and help resolve a problem or a bad situation. His family were great people. He was a gentle man. That is how I remember him.â
Soon after graduating from Marshall University, Cook co-founded the Heckâs Department Store chain in 1959. Heckâs would eventually be listed on the New York Stock Exchange and grow to over 120 stores in nine states.