Billy Ray Cookston was THE Best Neighbor a little girl could ever ask for...  He "ate" more Mud Pies and actually seemed to enjoy them, which made me smile and think I was an excellent little cook at the age of 4 or 5.   I always looked forward to him visiting his Mom & Dad, just next door, so that I could make him some pies.  It was a while before I realized that he was throwing them over his shoulder while I turned away.  He was always such a delight to visit with, even years later, when I wasn't making "pies".  Such a class Act! 

My sympathy to the Cookston Family on your loss! 

Pat Jackson Johnson 

Well 20 years across the street from us and we will miss him so much! We have told story after story of “ Mr. Bill’

Our twin boys, Jay and Will, tell stories of all of their friends in his yard- let’s just say we were at the top of the hill and his house was at the bottom! He had a front row seat to soccer balls, footballs, and who knows what else went soaring down that hill!! Mr Bill just cheered them on and was always cracking jokes! Now with my daughter, Ellyn, he made cookies and told her she was in charge if those brothers got any!!! My memories will be of a neighbor that loved to visit with all of us! He loved to tell us stories and certainly cheered for Baylor over Ole Miss!! He loved his yard and so enjoyed the prolific azaleas in our yards!!! He went to see our girl in her performances and talked so much about his family!!! 

I sit here on my front porch and miss the gentleman across the street that was part of our lives for many years. No words are good enough, but Mr Bill , we love you! You impacted my children and us and you will always be a part of our stories!!

Prayers for you and your family during the days ahead. 

Veronica Chapman Layne