"Bill was a beautiful and loving soul, with a touch of mischief. It is clear where his family gets their sensibility, humor, and strength. Hold each other close. Hold the memories of your hero close. He is a part of everything you are."
In loving memory of
William Roland Cooksey
July 24, 1936 - August 17, 2022
William Roland Cooksey, 86, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on August 17, 2022 surrounded by loved ones. He was the beloved husband of 65 years to Judith Ann, and "hero level" father to Tammy Echter and Abigail Cooksey-Williams (husband Troy). His precious grandchildren Michael (fiancée Francine), Adam (wife Andrea), and Arianna meant the world to him in every way. Great grandchildren Emmalyn, Madeline, and Grace, kept him smiling and playing with them until his final days. His family was his priority and his world - he always put them first.
Born in Linton, IN, he was the son of Bruce and Estella Marie Cooksey in July 1936. He grew up PA, Peoria, IL, and Terre Haute, IN. He graduated Gerstmeyer High school in 1954 in Terre Haute, IN. He continued his education through night classes and trainings along the way. His favorite childhood memories were spending time with his dad on the truck and having adventures along the way. He loved to share stories about these times with his family. His patriotism and love of Indianapolis racing started early on and continued throughout his life.
His professional career encompassed Safeway, Associated Grocers, ABCO, and Leaseway. As a young man who recently moved to Phoenix 1958, he started as a "gopher", then truck driver and rose through the ranks to be a corporate vice president at Associated Grocers. He was highly respected in business and his honesty was legendary - whether you wanted it or not. His hard work ethic was a hallmark of his style and was passed on to his children and grandchildren. He was in the Rotary Club as well as actively mentored young men and women.
He was a car enthusiast, an avid reader, history buff, sports fan, animal lover, true patriot, and inventor. His "work-arounds" were ingenious and he often would find ways to increase or extend the life of things. He was a master recycler before it was cool. He was simply "a fixin' and a patchin' "guy. He was gifted in so many ways but the biggest one was being a husband/father/grandfather. He was always at the ready to help with school projects, home improvements, Girl Scout cookie time, Orangewood Carnival booth building, softball coaching, shooting hoops, spending time at the racetrack to crew a grandson's car, tea parties, playing I-spy, pig rides, or just his gentle encouraging words and hugs. A quiet conversation seeking his advice was a given when decisions needed to be made. Political discussions were always punctuated with the "Bill Cooksey" point of view and he loved to talk about current events. He loved his family with all of his heart. The roots he and Judy planted together run deep. In 1998, they retired to Prescott, AZ. They divided time between Prescott and Sun City until shortly before he passed.
He belonged to Solid Rock Christian fellowship in Prescott, AZ and Ambassador Heights Baptist church in Phoenix. Community charitable work included Wilhoit Food Bank and other missionary support.
Preceded in death by Bruce Cooksey, Martha Cooksey, Estella Marie Rada, Anthony Rada, and treasured son in law Leonard Echter.
In addition to the family listed above, he is survived by brothers Allan Cooksey, Harold Ewing, and John Ewing, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are Saturday, August 27, 2022
Memorial Service 10am (viewing/visitation one hour prior 9-10am)
Glendale Christian Church
9661 N. 59th Ave
Glendale 85302
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to AZ Humane Society 9226 N. 13th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85021 or Blue Star Moms of the SW Valley P.O. BOX 1845
Litchfield Park AZ 85340.