I wouldn't have bought a pair (of shoes) from anyone else today — Happy Birthday Mr. F.M. Cook. I don't know too many places that would allow a 90-year-old to still work. Thank you, Hibbett's and thank you, Mr. Cook.”Jamie Speakman, Friend/Customer
CULLMAN — After almost a century of waiting, Cullman's Mr. F. M. Cook checked a lifelong goal off his bucket list. On Monday, October 5, Cook began his shift at Hibbett Sports and sold a pair of shoes on his 90th birthday.
In 2004, Liberty National Insurance salesman Jamie Speakman met Cook, and the two became fast friends. It was during that first meeting in Speakman’s office that Cook told him of his plans for the future. Speakman never forgot Cook’s 90th birthday wish and wanted to be the person to make it come true.
“One of my favorite people in the world turned 90 years old today,” said Speakman. “One of his goals was to sell a pair of shoes on his 90th birthday. His wish came true,” he smiled.
“I wouldn't have bought a pair from anyone else today. Happy birthday Mr. F.M. Cook. I don't know too many places that would allow a 90-year-old to still work. Thank you, Hibbett's and thank you, Mr. Cook.”
Since he began at 18, work has been a passion of Cook's and vacations a rarity.
In 2004, he applied for part-time work at Hibbett Sports and was hired on the spot.
“He loves to work,” smiled Cook’s daughter, Linda Allen. “He always says, ‘People like to get older and they just sit down and don’t do nothing. I love working and I love selling shoes.’” she chuckled.
“We have a calendar on our pantry door in the kitchen that I write his work schedule on. He’ll look at that thing two or three times a day wondering ‘Do I work today?’ If he’s off work, I’ll say, ‘No, Daddy, you don’t work today’.”
True to form, Cook's birthday consisted of greeting customers and familiarizing them with the store's latest selection of sportswear.
When Speakman arrived and asked for a new pair of shoes, Cook's face lit up and he headed towards the footwear, with Speakman in tow. Minutes later, he achieved his dream of selling a pair of shoes at the age of 90.
“I’m going to work,” Cook beamed when asked what his plans were for the rest of his special day. “It’s good for ya. A lot of people say they kill themselves working, but that’s not true. Work is not what kills them.”
“I love, love, love F.M.! He had been there forever,” said former co-worker Monica Williams. “I have been gone for 10 years and he was there a couple years before I left. In my opinion he is the best employee Hibbett's has ever had! His work ethic beat anyone else's when I was there!”
Humble and sweet, Cook spent his birthday doing what he loves to do most: working. He was able to make a lifelong dream come true, thanks to some special friends, family and co-workers.
Hibbett Sports is located at 1631 Town Square SW, Cullman, AL 35055.
