
Photo by Dhivakaran S
Ronald “Ronnie” Cookston, 82 of Whitwell, passed away Wednesday, January 29, surrounded by loving family. He was a dedicated member of Griffith Creek Community Church, retired from both the U.S. Postal Service and Combustion Engineering, and worked at Reed Funeral Home for 15 years.
Ronnie’s passions in life were serving the Lord and loving his family and community. He coached little league baseball, men’s softball, and was instrumental in organizing family gatherings and reunions for the Whitwell High School Class of 1961.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Lillie Cookston; grandson, Ryan Cookston; siblings, Louise (Sheriff) Floyd, Kenneth (Georgia) Cookston, Carl Gene (Dorothy) Cookston, Johnny Cookston; and mother of his children, Carolyn Tate.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Cindy (Anthony) Rollins, Randy (Angela) Cookston, Derek Cookston; grandchildren, Paige (Tyler) Evatt, Heath (Terri Lynn) Cookston, Haven Cookston, Kendal (Justin) Ivey, Chastin Cookston, Caleb (Emily) Guffey, Hunter Cookston, Alonna Cookston; great-grandchildren, John Brown, Braden Dalton, Tate Evatt, Shaylee Cookston, Jayce Cookston, Stone Evatt, Desiree Cookston, Finley Cookston, Mabrey Ivey, Lainey Guffey, Gage Rollins, Payton (Matthew) French; brother, Gary (Gayle) Cookston; sister-in-law, Alma Cookston; several nieces and nephew he dearly loved; special friends, Chad and Katie Rollins, Jewell Shadrick, Bill Don Rankin, Cecil Baxter, and J.T. Shadrick.
If Ronnie knew you, he was your friend, he loved you, and he prayed for you always. The family would like to extend special thanks to Valley View Senior Living and all the Staff for providing the best care to our “Pa”.
Pallbearers, Caleb Guffey, Chad Cookston, Greg Cookston, Chad Rollins, Barry Cookston, Troy Coppinger. Honorary Pallbearers, Bill Floyd, Kenny Cookston, Winston Cookston, Stanley Cookston, and Jack Morrison.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, February 1, at 2 p.m. at Griffith Creek Community Church with Rev. Cecil Baxter, Rev. Bill Ross, and Rev. Lanny Tate officiating.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 31, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, February 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial will be at Griffith Creek Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Reed Funeral Home, 11675 Highway 28, Whitwell, Tennessee. Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Griffith Creek Community Church.
The Marion Tribune – February 6, 2025