Harry Richard Cook Jr., age 80, of Bernice, La.,  was born on October 28, 1940 and passed away peacefully at his home on November 17, 2020.   Visitation will be held Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the Bernice City Cemetery at 1pm – 2pm. Funeral Services begin at 2 PM and chairs will be provided. Bro. Michael McIntosh will officiate under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston.

Harry grew up on the Cook family farm managed by his father, Harry Richard Cook, Sr. He graduated from Bernice High School in 1958, and in the fall he enrolled at Louisiana Tech University from which he graduated in 1963 with a B.S. degree in Wildlife Management.

After graduation, he was inducted in the U.S. Army and served from 1963-1964 at Fort Polk, Ft. Bliss, and El Paso, Texas. It was during this tour of duty with the National Guard the he was selected as the most outstanding noncommissioned officer at the 165th Transportation Battalion of Special Reserve Forces at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.

After being separated from the service, he was employed as biologist for the D’Arbonne Lake Commission and later with the Education Division of Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. After a brief period with the Education division, he was advanced to the position of, District Biologist with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at Monroe, La. During his career with the La Wildlife & Fisheries Harry was instrumental in the reintroduction of the wild turkey to Northern Louisiana, improving deer management program, working with banning waterfowl, and overseeing habitats on Wildlife Management areas.

In May 1991, Harry worked for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. During this time Harry enjoyed providing technical assistance to private land owners, working with wood duck management, and hardwood reforestation projects till his retirement in January 2003.

After retirement Harry worked as a consultant for Environmental Synergy sequestering carbon though reforestation across several states.

Harry was preceded in the death of his parents; Harry R Cook Sr. and Alverne Colvin Cook. He is survived by his wife of 44 years Alice Wade Cook, sons William Andrew Cook, his wife Whitney of Dubach, & John Drury Cook of Bernice. Grandchildren are Bristol Leigh Cook & Wyatt Andrew Cook as well as many nieces, nephews, & cousins.

Serving as pallbearers are Russell Barfield, Chuck Lowery, Mike LaRoe, Kenny Doss, Stan Elkins, Roger Wade, & Bill Breed.

Honorary pallbearers are Johnny Bowen, Billy Ross O’Bannon, W.C. Russell, Kenny Ribbeck, Robbie James, Fred Franklin, Roy Franklin, William Colvin, Bob Tubbs, Dr. John Cooksey, & Ted Farrar.

The Family would like to thank the staff of RMMC & Professional Hospice Care for their exceptional care of Harry. We would also like to extend a special thanks to our wonderful CNA’s Carrie Perry and Jennie Buggs for the loving care and assistance you gave Harry at home.

Donations may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 567, Bernice, La. 71222.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.