William Rea Cooksey C.M.

It's sad to think it's now been a year since Bill passed. I remember the passion and enthusiasm and sense of humor he gave to his work. He and I worked on several economic development projects for the region, as I did for the state. Whenever it was a project with Bills' name on it, he would do whatever it took to get it done, there were many nights we worked way past midnight to bring jobs to Shreveport, and we loved every minute of it. It brings me comfort now, even a year after he's gone,...

My son took a lunchbox to work today that Bill gave me when we were band boosters/parents. I was so glad to be able to say, "Mr. Cooksey gave us that." and to have a tactile souvenir of our friendship, which was the best gift he gave us. We have so many fond memories of our time spent and work w/Bill, the band parent for me and Mr. Cooksey, Taylor's dad, for my son. God bless you, Donna, Josh, Taylor and Farron. We think of you all often and hope you are well.
Much love, Kathleen Yerby

I can't believe this. Whenever my father passed away 23 years ago, Billy basically took me under his wing and stepped in as a father figure. He helped me build my first Mopar, taught me how to drive a standard, and educated me on a lot of things in general. We would talk about music and cars all of the time. I enjoyed those walks with him whenever he'd take out Hemi and Scamp.

I regret not keeping in touch over the years and now it's too late. You will be missed, and I'll remember...

Although I knew him briefly, it was clear that faith and family were two of Bill's primary focuses.

We met several years ago during a weeklong workshop to prepare for an exam tied to earning our Certified Member (CM) credential through the American Association of Airport Executives. Bill's natural leadership was a key driver in our intense group study sessions and ultimate exam passing. Subsequently, we would reconnect at industry events. Bill was passionate about aviation. He will be...

I was fortunate to know Bill for nearly the past 20 years, working with him on several economic development projects. Everyone that I ever met that knew him all recognized what an honest, spiritual, kind, funny, and great guy he was.

He was also one of the premier aviation professionals Louisiana has ever had. The fruits of the labor of his work gave literally hundreds of families careers in a dynamic and complex industry.

I sure will miss him, but am comforted in the fact that...

It broke my heart to hear of Bill's passing. What a great guy he was. My prayers are with his family.

The Cole family is deeply saddened to learn of Bill's passing. To Donna, Taylor, Joshua and Farron, we can't adequately express our feelings of loss of a good friend. We were neighbors for years and had many delightful and memorable visits. Bill's actions every day demonstrated the he was a man of faith.

I knew Bill at Parkway High School where we graduated in 1983. We talked a lot about Mopar and Corvettes. He and I worked together on the Parkway HS 20 year renunion committee in 2003.
May he rest in peace with his Heavenly Father and may God bless and watch over his family.