Mr. Raymond Richard Cook Jr.

Raymond Richard Cook, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning of August 21, 2017, as a result of bone marrow cancer – myelofibrosis. Visitation will be Friday, August 25, 2017 from 5-8 PM at Lakeshore Congregational Church, 6880 Siwell Road, Byram, MS, 39272. A celebration of life and home-going service for Richard will be Saturday, August 26, 2017, at Lakeshore Congregational Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 12 noon, with service beginning at 1:00 PM, under the direction of Pastors Jay Frazier and Glynn Pope. Interment will follow at Lakewood Memorial Cemetery, where he will be buried next to his wife. The procession to the cemetery will be escorted by the members of the Jackson Harley Hog Chapter and the Patriot Guard Riders. John Murphy will be riding Richard’s beautiful Harley, of which he was so proud and loved to ride so very much.

Richard was born in Beeville, Texas on February 8, 1944, to Raymond Richard Cook, Sr. and Lausta Powell Cook. In 1962, he graduated from Angleton High School in Angleton, Texas. Richard was quite the athlete, playing football, basketball, baseball, etc. His nickname in high school was “the toe”, for his ability to kick field goals. After a couple years of college, Richard joined the Air Force, at the “suggestion” of the U.S. Draft Board. After basic training and aircraft mechanic school, he was stationed at Barksdale AFB in Bossier City, LA, assigned to B-52 aircraft maintenance. While he was never deployed to Viet Nam, he was sent to Guam, then returned to Barksdale.

Prior to joining the Air Force, on a trip to Jackson, MS, Richard met and fell in love with Lila Jo Hamilton. While stationed at Barksdale, they married in Jackson, MS, on March 27, 1965. After being honorably discharge from the service, they moved to Jackson, then moved to Brandon, MS, in the early 1970s. Richard was employed by Delta Airlines in Jackson for 37 years, before his retirement. Richard then became an excellent and devoted caregiver for Lila during her over three year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Always a Christian, a few months after Lila’s death, Richard attended Cursillo, a non-denominational religious retreat. After this life-changing experience, Richard re-dedicated himself to Christ and became an active member of Lakeshore Church and the Monday Morning Men’s Sharing Group. Whether fulfilling the role of son, husband, father, widower, brother, in-law, friend, neighbor, church member, patient, Richard possessed the qualities of being authentic, unassuming, genuine, and loyal. He was simply a gentle man with a big smile who had you from “hello”.

Richard was preceded in death by beloved wife of 48 years, Lila, his parents; sister, Merry Cook; and mother-in-law, Delores Beard. He is survived by his children, whom he loved deeply and unconditionally, Brad Cook of Brandon, MS, and Dr. Ann Cook McLeod and husband, Lt. Col. William McLeod of Miami, FL; sister, Dr. Sally Cook of Bossier City, LA; granddaughter, Jordan Taylor Cook of Brandon; niece, Kim Macy (Ralph) of Shreveport, LA; sister-in-law, Gloria Price; brother-in-law, Eddie Hamilton (Beth); sister-in-law, Sue Lee; step-grandchildren, Will, Megan, and Katen McLeod; cousins, nephews, and scores of friends.

Pallbearers will be Richard’s nephews: Steve Price, David Price, Johnny Price, Richy McNeil, Mike Hamilton, and Brian Hamilton. Honorary pallbearers will be The Monday Morning Men’s Sharing Group.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the pastors and many members of Lakeshore Church for their show of love and support for Richard, before and during his illnesses, by visiting in Bossier City/Shreveport, phone calls, texting, cards, prayer messages for him and his family. The family would also like to acknowledge the show of love and support from chapter members of the Jackson Harley Hogs. We also appreciate all of Richard’s healthcare providers, including: University of MS oncologist, Dr. Carter Milner and team; medical and nursing staff at MD Anderson Hospital, especially Dr. DiNardo; Willis-Knighton Cancer Center, especially Dr. Michael Moore, Rita, and Hollie; and Willis-Knighton Hospice. Thanks also to special friends in Bossier City/Shreveport for their love and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lakeshore Congregational Methodist Church or M.D. Anderson Medical Center at www.mdanderson.org

Please visit lakewoodfuneralhomes.com for online guestbook.