Born in 1903, Mr. William A. Cooke served Louisa County for almost a century before his passing in 2001. As an attorney, a real-estate developer, a life-long member of the Louisa Volunteer Fire Department, and a substitute jurist, he was a pillar of the community in every way.

Although Mr. Cooke was a man of many achievements, he was not boastful of any. He overcame many obstacles during his life of more than 97 years through diligence, hard work and perseverance. He believed in honesty, integrity and fairness. Both he and his wife, Alma, dedicated their lives to helping others by these virtues.

The W.A. Cooke Foundation continues this heritage of community service and civic virtue by supporting the Shriner's hospitals for children, making grants towards local public purposes, and offering Scholarships to students from Louisa and Orange counties.