Jerry was an entrepreneur from an early age. When he was nine, he opened his first business, a fireworks stand in Butler, Missouri. This grew from a kitchen table in the front yard to a licensed business with his own specially built stand, operating for four years as “Jerry Cook’s Fireworks Stand”.
After college at The University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Jerry worked as an equipment manager at Wallace Allis Chalmers in Butler. Then he was ready for a bigger challenge.
In 1972, while in his 20’s, he moved to Bentonville and opened his first NAPA store, Cook’s Automotive and Tractor Supply. Shortly thereafter, Cook’s Automotive Machine Shop opened next door. The business grew to three NAPA stores in total with locations in Pea Ridge and Gravette in addition to the Bentonville store.
While still operating his NAPA stores, Jerry started a trucking company, Cook’s Express, Inc. In 1980, CEI became the primary business, running a total of fifteen trucks at one time.
During all his years, he served as an advisor and mentor to his family and many friends.
He is preceded in death by both parents and a son, Lt. Jarid Dallas Cook.
He is survived by his wife, Debbi (Hutcheson) Cook; daughter, Jennifer and Travis Turner of Fayetteville; sisters, Bonnie Alkire of Hempstead, NC, Nancy (Carline) and Robert Hall of Tomball, Texas; grandchildren, Sydney Turner and Jackson Turner of Fayetteville and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Callison-Lough Funeral Home in Bentonville on Friday, October 19, 2018 from 5 pm to 7 pm. Funeral services will be held in the Callison-Lough Chapel on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 2 pm. Burial will follow at Rogers City Cemetery.
