Ralph Cook Sr.

1939 - 2021

JONESBORO - Ralph Edward Cook Sr., of Jonesboro, passed from this life into glory the morning of Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, at the age of 82.

Born on Sept. 30, 1939, to William and Beulah (née Corn) Cook in Pocahontas, Ralph attended Jonesboro High School where he graduated in 1957.

As a teenager, while dating the love of his life, Margaret, he worked at his uncle Chuck's café, Chuck's Place, in downtown Jonesboro. Between dates, school and his shifts at the diner, he also became quite the pool shark at the pool hall next door.

In the 1950s, he began serving in the Army National Guard and served for eight years, becoming federalized to active duty during desegregation in Arkansas.

In 1957, after dating for two years, he married Margaret at the Little Wedding Chapel in Hernando, Miss. They were both 17.

Ralph was preceded in death by his mother and father; two sisters, Louise Cook and Alice Bryant of Jonesboro; along with one great-grandchild, Baby Sisk.

A loving and devoted husband, daddy and beloved Papa, he is survived by his wife of 64 years, Margaret Cook (née Neal); son and daughter-in-law Ralph Edward Cook Jr. and Denise; daughter and son-in-law Rhoda and Mike Crews, all of Jonesboro; along with four grandchildren, Tiffany Sisk and husband Corey of Brookland, Jacob Cook and wife Janea, Whitney Eldridge and husband Tony, all of Jonesboro, and Micah Whitlow and husband Brian of Paragould; along with nine great-grandchildren who were his whole world, Brianna (BB) Cooper, Riley and Makenzie Sisk, Case and Cole Cook, Crews and Coen Eldridge, and Keegan and Emmett Whitlow. He is also survived by two brothers, Bill Cook of Oklahoma and Carl Cook of Jonesboro; and one sister, Dorothy Jansen of Indiana; along with many nieces and nephews.

Ralph was an active member of his church, North Main Baptist, and followed Christ for 70 years after being saved at the age of 12. He was ordained as a deacon at University Baptist Church in 1984 where he served in ministry for many years. He loved studying God's word, and his Bible, well worn, stayed on the table beside his living room recliner until he passed.

Stubborn and proud in the best way, he always gave and rarely took. He was an avid breakfast eater, newspaper reader and Western watcher. And when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were visiting, he would gladly turn on old Bugs Bunny or Tom and Jerry cartoons, play board games, or color in coloring books, and pester them incessantly. His proudest accomplishment was always his family, whom he loved dearly and of whom he was fiercely protective and proud.

An incredibly hard worker, he worked the line at Ford Motor Co. in St. Louis and owned businesses with his family, including Roco Style Shop and C and C Construction, working for many decades building homes, businesses and churches in Jonesboro. His favorite tool in his tool belt was always his trusty duct tape

Our Papa was a man of humility, hard work and humble means, but rich in loyalty, love and character. He taught us to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, and that family would always be the most important part of our lives this side of heaven. We love you and will see you in glory, Papa.

In lieu of flowers, Ralph and Margaret would ask for donations to be made to Shriners Hospital for Children or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. There will be a celebration of Ralph's life held for family and friends at a later date.