Ronald E. Cook

March 29, 1947 - June 6, 2016

Mr. Ronald Eugene Cook, age 69, of Columbia, passed away June 6, 2016 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday at 10:30 AM at Heritage Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Ledbetter officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Navy. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on March 29, 1947 in San Diego, CA, Ronald, best known as Papa, was the son of the late Kenneth Cook and the late Ruth Cook. He served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era where he received his National Defense Medal, Republic of Vietnam Medal, and The Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars and one silver star. He was a DJ and the voice behind “Good Morning Vietnam” on a radio show for veterans in the 1970s. Ronald was of the Baptist faith and previously worked for the Daily Herald and the United States Postal Service. He was a computer whiz and a very electronic and detailed person.

He is survived by his wife: Hettie Ann Gibson Cook; son: Brian Kerr; daughter: Lynn (Craig) Roussell; sister: Beverly Reeder; grandchildren: Scott R. Roussell, Brian L. Kerr, Jr., Candace R. Kerr, Nicholas J. Roussell, and Cody Kerr; daughter-in-law: Lynda R. Kerr; and sisters-in-law: Brenda Bridges, Beverly Caudillo, and Debbie Brittingham.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son: Kevin L. Kerr.