Gordon Lee Cooksey

February 4, 1941- May 9, 2015

Fortson, Georgia- Gordon Lee Cooksey, 74, of Fortson, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Columbus Hospice House. Funeral Services are scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2015, 2:00 PM in the Edgewood Hall at Striffler-Hamby with Reverend Rodney D. Porter officiating. Interment will follow at Parkhill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, May 11, 2015, from 6:00-8:00 PM in the St. Elmo Room at Striffler-Hamby.

Mr. Cooksey, son of the late William Leonard and Mary Leila Tomlin Cooksey, was born February 4, 1941 in Orangeburg, SC. After high school, he earned his undergraduate degree from The University of Georgia in 1964 and then obtained his Master's Degree in Education and Specialist in Education degree from Columbus State University. Mr. Cooksey was a former Journalist and Editor for the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer and was a retired educator from the Muscogee County School District. He also taught at Christian Heritage Academy where he was the Dean of Boys, then at Columbus Technical College as an Adjunct Professor. Mr. Cooksey was a member of Striplin Terrace United Methodist Church where he was active in the New Hope Sunday School class and Chairperson of the SPR Committee. He was also a member of the University of Georgia Alumni Association, a loyal supporter of the University of Georgia Athletics. He also served as Treasurer for the Muscogee Retired Educators Association. Mr. Cooksey was an avid bridge player and earned his Life Masters Certification in 2013. He was a member of the Elmwood Moye Executive Club of Columbus.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Frances Cooksey, sister-in-law Louise Brown and brother-in-law Albert Abercrombie. Survivors include his son, John Cooksey (Melanie) of Monroe, GA., daughter Laura Seavers (Mike) of Fortson, GA., grandchildren Aaron, Chaz and Caleigh Cooksey and Abby and Michael Seavers; brother Leon Cooksey (Ernestine) of Opelika; sisters-in-law Gail Highland (Don), June Varner and Carolyn Abercrombie; brothers-in-law Tommy Abercrombie (Therlene), Don Abercrombie (Traci) and Kenny Brown and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the John B. Amos Cancer Center, www.columbusregional.com, or Striplin Terrace United Methodist Church. Condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com.