Bobby Joe Cook

A faithful servant of the Lord went to his eternal home on March 10, 2018. Bobby Joe Cook was born in McRae, Ark. on October 14, 1924. He was the eldest son of Joseph and Ellen Cook. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two brothers, Weaver and David Cook. A few months after graduating from McRae High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He attained the rank of Radioman 3rd Class while serving aboard a tanker with the Pacific fleet during WWII. On returning home, he was employed by the Veterans Administration Hospital at Ft. Roots. He started his career as a Nursing Assistant, then transferred to the Engineering Department as the Maintenance Scheduler. He was active in the AFGE Local 2054 and served as Secretary-Treasurer, Vice-President and President. For 49 years, he was married to Almarie Todd and together they raised two sons, Rondal E (Judy) and Donald Joe Cook (Susan). They were blessed with four grandchildren; Emily Lipsmeyer (Nick), Laurie Spencer (Justin), James Cook and Jonathan Cook; and seven great-grandchildren. He was an active member of the Church of Christ, attending Somers Avenue and the Sylvan Hills congregations. He was well known for his knowledge of the Bible and tireless energy in serving the Lord. He was involved in local evangelism and benevolence as well as managing a Bible correspondence program reaching as many as 10,000 people. He also made numerous trips abroad to share the gospel. In addition to his sons and their families, he is survived by a sister, Amanda Sue Shetler; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Faye and Chester Tozier; and many nieces and nephews. The family thanks Arkansas State Veterans Heroes Home 8, Arkansas Hospice, Fox Ridge, and Tammy McIntire for the care they provided. Funeral services will be on Thursday, March 15th at 10:30 a.m. at Sylvan Hills Church of Christ, 117 West Maryland, Sherwood, Arkansas. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 14th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Smith Family Funeral Home, 7700 Highway 107, Sherwood, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Sylvan Hills Church of Christ Medical Missions. Online obituary at www.SmithFamiyCares.com.