y. As a young man who recently moved to Phoenix 1958, he started as a "gopher", then truck driver and rose through the ranks to be a corporate vice president at Associated Grocers. He was highly respected in business and his honesty was legendary - whether you wanted it or not. His hard work ethic was a hallmark of his style and was passed on to his children and grandchildren. He was in the Rotary Club as well as actively mentored young men and women. He was a car enthusiast, an avid reader, history buff, sports fan, animal lover, true patriot, and inventor. His "work-arounds" were ingenious and he often would find ways to increase or extend the life of things. He was a master recycler before it was cool. He was simply "a fixin' and a patchin' "guy. He was gifted in so many ways but the biggest one was being a husband/father/grandfather. He was always at the ready to help with school projects, home improvements, Girl Scout cookie time, Orangewood Carnival booth building, softball coaching, shooting hoops, spending time at the racetrack to crew a grandson's car, tea parties, playing I-spy, pig rides, or just his gentle encouraging words and hugs. A quiet conversation seeking his advice was a given when decisions needed to be made. Political discussions were always punctuated with the "Bill Cooksey" point of view and he loved to talk about current events. He loved his family with all of his heart. The roots he and Judy planted together run deep. In 1998, they retired to Prescott, AZ. They divided time between Prescott and Sun City until shortly before he passed. He belonged to Solid Rock Christian fellowship in Prescott, AZ and Ambassador Heights Baptist church in Phoenix. Community charitable work included Wilhoit Food Bank and other missionary support. Preceded in death by Bruce Cooksey, Martha Cooksey, Estella Marie Rada, Anthony Rada, and treasured son in law Leonard Echter. In addition to the family listed above, he is survived by brothers Allan Cooksey, Harold Ewing, and John Ewing, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services are Saturday, August 27, 2022 Memorial Service 10am (viewing/visitation one hour prior 9-10am) Glendale Christian Church 9661 N. 59th Ave Glendale 85302 In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to AZ Humane Society 9226 N. 13th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85021 or Blue Star Moms of the SW Valley P.O. BOX 1845 Litchfield Park AZ 85340.