Roy L. (Bud) Cooksey the grandfather of civil rights in Arizona died peacefully at home on August 12, 2009 after a courageous ten year battle with Alzheimers with family by his side. Roy was born on December 25, 1924 to Willie and Lula M. Cooksey in Dorcheat County, Arkansas. Roy was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Malissia Thomas Cooksey; his eldest son, Roy L. Cooksey, Jr.; his grandson, James Deon Lennox and his only sibling, Margie R. Harris. Roy leaves behind his children, Gwendolyn Cooksey-Haynes, Joetta Cooksey-Cooper (Steve), Jacqueline Cooksey-Harrison, Cornell S. Cooksey, Sr,. Cleophus E. Cooksey and William J. Cooksey. Roy also left 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Roy's love of life, his compassion for people, and his unwavering belief in God and his jokes, will sorely be missed. A celebration of Roy's life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at Trinity Temple C.M.E. Church, 1025 E. 30th Street, at 10:00 a.m. A public viewing will beheld at FUNERARIA DEL ANGEL SOUTH LAWN on Friday, August 21, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Aug. 19, 2009.