Ray Cook

Ray Cook, age 83, of Kirby, passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2023.      

He was born on November 15, 1939, in Daisy, the son of Curtis Cook and Oleva Blevins White Cook.  On July 5, 1959, Ray married the forever love of his life, Twyla Woodall Cook, who just three weeks ago preceded him in death on March 20, 2023.  He was also preceded in death by his son, Rodney Cook; his parents; his brother, Chester Gage; his grandmother, who raised him, Minnie “Granny” Cook; his two brothers-in-law, Bobby Reece and Bobby Sweeden; and his special friend, Willard Turner.

Ray was a faithful member of the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Kirby, where he will always be remembered for his big hearted joy of giving his “Smarties” candy to the children in exchange for one of their precious hugs, that meant the world to him.  Ray was a carpenter by trade and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors.

Above all, Ray dearly loved and cherished his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who he adored.  He was a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and will be deeply missed by everyone who had the joy of knowing him. 

Ray is survived by his daughter, Vicki Cook of Kirby; his three grandchildren, Christopher Cook and his wife, Dee, Christina Main and her husband, Zach and Calli Busby and her fiancé, Michael Cates; his five great-grandchildren, Christian, London, Easton, Stetson and Ella; his sidekick, his fur baby, Lucy; two sisters, Wanda Sweeden of Murfreesboro and Ruth Cooper of Maryland; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, his church family; and a host of wonderful friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, April 13, 2023, in the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Kirby with music led by Mike Funderburk and Bro. Jackie Herring officiating.

Visitation will be held 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Wednesday, March 12, 2023, in the Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel, Glenwood, 209 North Third Street, Glenwood, Arkansas 71943.

Interment will be in the Ebenezer Cemetery, Kirby.

Pallbearers will be Mike Funderburk, Lynn Tolleson, Ryan Horn, Wes Johns, Calvin Nichols, and Nick Robertson.

Guest registry is at www.smithfamilycares.com.