William Raymond Cooke

William Raymond Cooke (Ray) born on December 9, 1935 passed away peacefully in the home of his daughter on Saturday, March 4, 2017 following a brave battle with cancer. The only son of eight children, Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean McKinney Cooke, parents William Bacus (Doc) Cooke and Fannie Mae Gore Cooke, two sisters, Mildred Olene Phillips and Eva Evelyn Vowell. Ray leaves behind his daughter, Kathy Anthony (husband Tim) of Pensacola, FL, granddaughter Andrea Cofield (husband Keith) of Birmingham, AL; five sisters, Maxine Mullins of Starkville, MS; Vivian Verno of Glendale, AZ; Betty Barnes of Rochester, NY; Mavis Green of Muscle Shoals, AL; Linda Foster of Grenada, MS, along with dear friend, Tommy Taylor, three great grandchildren, dozens of nieces and nephews, as well as other family and friends. Whether personally or professionally, Ray loved traveling the highways. He spent much of his life in the trucking industry, enjoying a great career with Dana/ Suttles in Creola, AL and during retirement he continued his love for the road working with Palmer’s Toyota.

Described by his daughter as the "sweetest man on the planet", Ray Cooke was a good man with a wonderful sense of humor. He was kind to all, a loyal friend to many and a source of constant support and unconditional love to his family. A special thank you to the caring team at Emerald Coast Hospice and especially to nurses Robin and Roxanne for their loving care and support. Visitation will be Thursday, March 9, 2017, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home, Mobile. The funeral service will be held Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery West. Rev. Al Moore will officiate. Condolences may be offered online at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.