Ray Cook

James Ray Cook, 83, of Jonesboro, passed away Saturday at NEA Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Born in Caraway, Ray lived in Caraway until he entered active duty in the U.S. Navy on January 3, 1951, and served 7 years, 11 months and 9 days and was a veteran of the Korean War. Upon discharge from the service, Ray moved to Jonesboro where he worked 4 years as a Patrolman with the Jonesboro Police Department before beginning a career as a union plumber and pipe fitter. Ray was a fifty-plus year member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union #155 and a member of Fairview Missionary Baptist Church.

In his earlier years, Ray was a rodeo cowboy and a rodeo clown. He played bass guitar in a local band and enjoyed raising a garden. Following retirement as a pipe fitter, Ray operated Dependable Lawn Service in Jonesboro where he utilized his elementary-age grandson, Bryce as a side helper. The two guys grew their lawn business to almost more than they could manage and was only slowed down because Ray suffered a heart attack while working it. After Ray's recovery, Dependable Lawn Service was dissolved and Ray took the role of following his grandsons' activities. Bryce was active in Quiz Bowl competition and Ray attended all of his contests. As grandson Grant progressed through his football playing days, Ray hardly missed a game. Once Grant joined the Arkansas Razorback football team, Ray attended all the games he was able to, but especially enjoyed attending the Little Rock games to cheer on and support Grant.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents: George N. and Lena Alice McCoy Cook; 2 brothers: Doc Cook and Charles Cook; and a sister, Wilma Cook Barber.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Webb Cook of the home;
1 son and daughter-in-law: Danny and Connie Cook of Jonesboro;
2 grandsons and spouse: Bryce and Sara Beth Cook of Jonesboro, and Grant Cook of Fayetteville; and
1 great grandson, Wyatt Cook.

A graveside funeral service with military honors will be Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. in Strawfloor Cemetery with Dr. Robert Webb officiating. There will be no visitation.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to the American Heart Association, 311 E. Matthews, Jonesboro, AR 72401; or NEA Humane Society, 6011 E. Highland Dr., Jonesboro, AR 72401.