William Walter Cookson was born on September 1, 1934 in Long Island, NY. He was a healthy happy baby. His mother called him Billy. He was third of a family with Six children.
The family moved to the outskirts of Bosten in 1937. Bill graduated from Mayor Curely Highschool in 1952. When he had his Eighteenth birthday he joined the Navy. Post Navy he went to Boston university and earned a degree in mechanical design.
When he finished boot camp he was assigned to serve on the US Bulwark. It was an all wooden ship, The first of its kind. The crew could pull in line bombs and disarm them. He was often seasick but managed to do his job.
Bill met his wife Carol on the beach in Charleston, SC May 2,1955 and got married Six months later. Robin Carol was born June 27,1958 and Bill Jr was born July 20,1959. The family then moved into their ocean home in 1962. Bill and Carol were still together when God called him home.
He and his family moved to Florida in the Fall of 1972. It was difficult to find design jobs at that time. When his job at Miller Trailer was finished, he the joined the Manatee County Sheriff Department as a prison guard. He retired from them in 2000. After two years of retirement he became a school crossing guard until he was 84.
Bill liked to witness to people telling them Jesus's purpose here on earth. He witnessed to many prisoners. He read and studied the bible everyday.
He was also fascinated by numbers for fun he would work on a difficult math problems until it was solved. Sometimes it would take a day or even two. Some of his friends even called him the number guy.
Last but not least he loved being home with his family. His trip to Israel was a bright spot in his memory. It was a great trip with his friends from church.
William is leaving behind many loved ones. His loving wife Carol Cookson, son Bill Cookson Jr. (Sandy Cookson), grandson Jordan Cookson, granddaughter Devon Cookson, great grandsons Britton and Phoenix Cookson and many nieces and nephews.
There will be a memorial service for Bill Friday March 7,2025 at 11am at Brown and Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel. 604 43rd Street West Bradenton, Fl 34209.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, Bradenton, FL, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, is in charge of arrangements.
