TBA Law Blog

TBA Law Blog

Services for Winston Law Professor Emeritus Set for Aug. 16

Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Jul 29, 2025
News Type: Passages

Joseph Griffin Cook of Knoxville died at age 85 on Jan. 21. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Alabama. Cook had planned to enter law practice, but an interview with the University of Tennessee College of Law (now Winston College of Law) marked a change of direction. He was the youngest member of the law faculty when he accepted the position of assistant professor in 1965, which he held for 51 years. In 1972, he was promoted to professor of law and in 1979, he was named the Williford Gragg Distinguished Professor of Law. He held that position until his retirement in 2016 as professor emeritus. The highest honor the university can give to a member of the faculty is the University of Tennessee Macebearer. Cook received that honor for the 2004-2005 academic year. A celebration of life will be held Aug. 16 at 1 p.m. EDT at the Winston College of Law. To attend, please RSVP by Aug. 8.

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