Obituaries

Willie Joe Cook

Photo of Willie Joe Cook
COLONEL (RETIRED) WILLIE "JOE" COOK, 84, of Little Rock, Ark., passed away on Friday, July 14, 2017. He was born in El Paso, Ark., on Monday, Feb. 13, 1933. Joe graduated from the Little Rock University in 1959, where he was a member of the first graduating class and served as the first student body President, with a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration. He served four years in the United States Air Force as loadmaster aboard aircraft, amassing over 2000 hours of flying time. He joined the Arkansas Air National Guard in September of 1963. Joe retired Feb. 1990 after thirty-seven and a half years as Executive Support Staff Officer for Headquarters. Joe was humble and honored to serve his country. He received his private pilot's license and was an avid flyer. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion of Little Rock and VFW in Jacksonville. Joe officiated college basketball in Arkansas and Missouri for many years. He is preceded in death by his brothers; Jesse Lee Cook and Leslie Lee Cook, sisters; Mae Cook Nolen, Reba Cook Glover, Nell Cook and Lavelle Cook Hutchison, and his parents; Willie Lee and Maggie Mae Cook. Joe is survived by his only daughter, Lee Ann Cook of Little Rock, one sister Ardell Glover of Little Rock, several nieces and a host of other loved ones. Lee Ann would like to extend her appreciation to the staff of Brookdale-Pleasant Hills Senior Living Community for their patience and dedicated care to dad for the past nine years. Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 18, 2017 from 4-6 p.m. at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 224-8300. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in his honor to a charity of your choice. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

Published July 16, 2017

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