Joe Dee Cook

Joe D. Cook, 68, of North Little Rock went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 2. He was born October 23, 1947 in Little Rock, Arkansas to John K. Cook Jr. and Lucille Wanamaker Cook. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of 40 years and sons Joe D. Cook, Jr. (Michelle) of Cabot, Gary D. Boyer (Robyn) of Bella Vista, James Scott Cook (Charis) of Little Rock, and Steven W. Cook (Becky) of Little Rock; grandchildren, Chasity Cook, Kelly Ashe, Megan Cook, Emily Boyer, Shelby Boyer, Luke Boyer, Skyler Cook, Gabe Cook, Lucy Cook, Ira Cook and great-granddaughter, Roriee Ashe; brothers, John K. Cook III (The Woodlands, Texas) and Jeffrey W. Cook (San Antonio, Texas). After graduating from North Little Rock High School, he attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, receiving his bachelor's degree and later his masters degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Joining the U.S. Air Force immediately after graduation, he served his country for 20 years. After retiring, he moved back to North Little Rock and began his second career working at UAMS in the College of Nursing, The Department of Psychiatry, and the Jack Stephens Spine Institute over the next 26 years. He was a volunteer for numerous organizations and causes and would gladly serve when given the opportunity. He particularly loved his work with the Arkansas Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, serving as its chairman for many years and working with Craig O'Neal and the Jingle Bell Run. Joe was a member of Central Baptist Church in North Little Rock where he served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher for over 20 years. He also was a long-time member of the North Little Rock Gideon Camp and served as their Chaplain for a number of years. Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was exceptionally gifted with the ability to make friends and to be a wonderful and inspirational leader in everything he undertook. There is no way to estimate the number of people he inspired and influenced during the course of his life. He truly lived out his faith in Jesus Christ every day and made it his aim to be an example to those around him. He will be deeply missed and his life will be forever cherished by his family and friends. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the UAMS Cancer Institute for their kindness and compassion and particularly Dr. Arnaoutakis and Dr. Meena who went out of their way to answer questions and provide a positive and meaningful outlook. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 7th from 6-8 p.m. at Roller-Owens Funeral Home in North Little Rock, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock (501-791-7400). A celebration of Joe's life will be held Friday, July 8th, at 11 a.m. at Central Baptist Church of North Little Rock. Interment to follow at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central Baptist Church Great Commission Fund, Gideons International or to the John K. Cook, Jr. and Lucille W. Cook Endowed Scholarship in Nursing within the UAMS Foundation Fund. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.