George L. Cook

George L. Cook, 82, of Little Rock, was a well-known figure in the Central Arkansas business community as a real estate developer, business operator, investor and a supporting and encouraging father. Cook's personal business ventures included development of Crestwood Manor apartments in Little Rock, and development of several condominium projects in Hot Springs. He also ventured into the restaurant business, purchasing and operating The Shack barbecue restaurant in Little Rock and Rosalee and Sissy's restaurant located on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs. For 12 years in the 1970s and 1980s, he was a co-owner of Bauman's men's store in Little Rock. George L. Cook passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2014. He was born September 6, 1931 in Memphis, Tennessee to Ralph and Florence Cook of Wynne. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William "Bill" Cook of Little Rock. Survivors include his sister, Betty Bransford, two sons, Lan Cook and Clay Cook, and four grandsons, Landon, Scott, Lance and Allan Cook, all of Little Rock. He was married to Marrieta Meyer of Little Rock, the mother of his sons. Cook grew up in Wynne and was a 1949 graduate of Wynne High School. He attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. After college, Cook moved to Little Rock, where he worked for Stephens, Inc. before undertaking business ventures of his own. He supported and was involved in political campaigns for Dale Bumpers, David Pryor and Bill Clinton. "George was a people person. He had a good sense of humor and was a lot of fun to be around," recalled his sister, Betty. "When we were kids, he liked to tease me—that's for sure. He gave me a hard time, but it was all in fun." "Business was George's lifelong passion," Betty said, "and he always remained close to his children." A close friend commented, "George was always smiling and kept a positive attitude even during his long illness. He made you feel good and was a delight just to be around. He was Mr. Personality and the best friend you could have. He was the go to guy for information and opinion, which was always diplomatic. If you knew George, you loved him. He will be greatly missed by all." There will be a gathering of family and friends to celebrate George's life on Sunday afternoon, January 26 from 1-2 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Arkansas Chapter APDA (Parkinson's Disease Assn.), P.O. Box 22445, Hot Springs, Ark. 72903. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. George's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.