Kenneth Earl Cooksey, Jr. passed into the good life July 23, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Pamela Shiver Cooksey. Ken’s birthday was January 2, 1947. He was predeceased by his parents Kenneth Cooksey and Maida Cooksey. He is survived by two sons: Kenneth III and Stewart; two grandsons: Henry and Preston; one sister: Catherine Vincent (David) of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; and a brother: Jim of Monticello, Fla. Funeral Service will be Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Monticello.In Lieu of Flowers Donations may be made to: Aucilla Christian Academy, 7803 Aucilla Hwy., Monticello, FL 32344; Juvenile Diabetes Research Funding, 200 Vesey St. 28th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10281; or First United Methodist Church, 325 Walnut St., Monticello, FL 32344.Ken was a Methodist. He was member of Hiram Lodge #5, serving twice as Worshipful Master. He was a Shriner, belonging to Marzuq Temple in Tallahassee. Ken attended Little Emory University in Oxford, Ga. and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business, from the University of Mississippi – Ole Miss – in Oxford, Miss. in 1969. Ken had a successful, colorful career, starting as General Manager and Superintendent of Jefferson Country Club for 10 years. Upon leaving the Country Club Ken began a marketing career with the State of Florida. He was a Seafood Marketing Representative for the Florida Department of Natural Resources, Florida’s premier seafood marketing program for the southeastern U.S. Ken left Florida Department of Natural Resources, for Florida’s Department of Commerce where he spent several years with the Florida Film Commission’s Bureau of Motion Picture and Television Production. There, Ken attained national and international recognition in recruiting motion picture and television production for the State of Florida. During his tenure with the Florida Film Commission, Ken gave direction to the London Film Community in organizing a Film Commission based on Florida’s model. He was responsible for recruiting the first Motion Picture ever shot in Fernandina Beach, The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking, a well-recognized and entertaining family film. During the production, Ken had the unique experience of working with the famed legendary Director, Ken Annakin, who directed many acclaimed motion picture productions such as The Longest Day, the story of the U.S. D-Day Invasion.
In 1993, Ken was appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles to Florida Department of Commerce’s International Trade Program where he became involved in the International Export Marketing for Florida’s Aviation, Aerospace and Defense Industry. Ken was recognized by Florida Taxwatch, as the recipient of the Davis Productivity Award, sponsored by the Davis Brothers of Winn-Dixie Stores. When Enterprise Florida replaced the Florida Department of Commerce as Florida’s Official Economic Development Organization in 1996, Ken was asked to continue serving as the State’s Regional Manager for International Export Marketing, assisting Florida’s Aviation, Aerospace and Defense Firms export their products/services, worldwide. Ken traveled to Hong Kong, Europe, Singapore, South America, and Australia, where he helped Florida’s Industry create and enter new international markets. Ken was especially pleased to receive international recognition as the best International Aviation/Aerospace International Marketing Program, for the Americas, during the Dubai Air Show in Dubai, U.A.E. Ken, also, was honored to be chosen to receive Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s first Legacy Award for his work, on behalf of enterprise Florida’s international marketing efforts, to establish an Embry-Riddle campus in Singapore.Ken had the pleasure of working for 8 of Florida’s Governors and upon retiring after 31 years, was publicly recognized by Governor Rick Scott and Florida’s Cabinet, during the March 2014 Cabinet meeting, for his service to Florida’s Aviation/Aerospace Industry and the State of Florida’s Economic Development efforts.Ken loved people and was devoted to helping Small Business and Local Economic Development Programs throughout the State of Florida. Ken enjoyed traveling with his wife, Pam. Ken also enjoyed family activities, especially hunting and playing golf with his sons. He was very proud of watching his sons grow up and mature to become successful businessmen. During later years, Ken and Pam were dedicated to instilling behavior that might help their grandsons to become responsible adults. Also, Ken especially enjoyed being with Pam while watching Henry and Preston play baseball.Beggs Funeral Home in Monticello is assisting the family with the arrangements.