William Henry Cooke, Jr. (Bill) was received into his homecoming with Christ on Thursday, March 17, 2022, due to heart failure. Bill Cooke was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and “in the twinkling of an eye” heard His Savior say, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
Bill Cooke impacted the lives of so many in business, within the community, and especially with his entire family. Born July 21, 1930, Bill grew up to eventually attend Forest Hill high school as a senior where met his high school sweetheart , Jackie Cooke. While the two were dating Jackie was a cheerleader, and Bill played football, basketball, and baseball. It was the beginning of a lifelong partnership. While in college at Auburn University, Bill enlisted in the Navy where he would serve 2 years active duty and 8 years in the reserve. He graduated with a Bachelors in Civil Engineering. Bill and Jackie married on June 3, 1951 and continued a true love story that lasted for 70+ years.
This love story took the two of them to many places where they shared adventures as a true team. Bill would first serve the Navy at Pearl Harbor Hawaii, they would begin a family, work in Chicago after his Navy service, and eventually come back home to Mississippi. Bill and Jackie’s family grew include Bill, Carol, Cathy and David. As his family grew, so did his professional life that would impact countless people over a 40 year career. Bill co-founded the Engineering and Architectural firm Cooke, Douglass, Farr & Lemons. Beginning with only three people, it would eventually grow to a firm that employed over 50 people and developed projects around the country. Through his leadership Cooke, Douglass, Farr and Lemons designed and developed commercial projects from Post Offices to Sports stadiums and everything in between. Bill was an influential business leader in the community serving on the White House Small Business leadership council under George Bush Senior, helping bring the Palaces of St. Petersburg to Jackson, serving as president of River Hills, president of the chamber of commerce, helping with projects and organizations like the Boys and Girls club, Junior Achievement, and consulting on the Jackson and Meridian children’s museums. After retirement he was instrumental in designing Timber Creek Camp with his son David. Bill’s commitment to the community flowed out of his heart to serve others.
Bill considered everyone he met a potential friend. Bill was a man of deep integrity and modeled the values of generosity and honesty. As a follower of Christ, his faith guided everything he did in his life. In fact, his faith was the central part of his daily life. He was a committed member of both Alta Woods Methodist church and Christ United Methodist church. At each place he found many ways to serve and be involved.
Although his business accomplishments were important, they paled in comparison to his love for family. As grandchildren came along, Bill became known as “Big Daddy”. This was the perfect name for a man that deeply loved those around him. Big Heart. Big Love. Big Daddy. He looked for every opportunity to be with those he loved. Family gatherings were a top priority and phone calls and visits were his favorite moments. His legacy and impact can now be seen in 3 generations. Big Daddy was a 6’4” gentle giant who was fiercely protective of all in his family and provided for their needs in countless ways. His quick wit and famous puns were a favorite part of any gathering, and his smile would light up a room. There is no doubt he was a Big Daddy in every way that mattered.
He is preceded in death by his father William H. Cooke Sr. and Mother Irma Cooke. He is survived by his wife of 72 years Jackie Cooke, Son William Cooke III (Anne), Daughter Cathy Butler (Rusty), Daughter Carol McLellan (Russ), Son David Cooke (Lori-Lynne). He is also survived by grandchildren John, Mallorie, Reese, Michael, Lee, William, John Bailey, Nathan, Benjamin, Jason, and 8 great grandchildren.
Services will be held at Christ United Methodist Church at 6000 Old Canton Rd., Jackson, MS on Monday March 21, 2022. Visitation will be held from 11:00am-12:00pm with services to be held at 12:00. Graveside will be a private family service.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials and gifts are to be made to BreakThru Ministries/Timber Creek Camp at 8113 Morton Marathon Rd, Pulaski, MS in honor of Bill Cooke.
He is preceded in death by his father William H. Cooke Sr. and Mother Irma Cooke. He is survived by his wife of 72 years Jackie Cooke, Son William Cooke III
