Mr. Cooksey was born in Vero Beach, Florida and is a life long resident. He is a co-founder of Gould Cooksey Fennell and has been a resident of the Vero Beach Community throughout his tenured career. He has over forty years experience in probate administration and business law issues and practices in the areas of probate, real estate, estate planning and taxation. Mr. Cooksey also consults on matters of construction law. For over 40 years Mr. Cooksey has held an "AV" rating by Martindale Hubbell, which is the highest rating issued by this service
He graduated from the University of Florida College of Arts and Science in 1950 and its College of Law in 1955. He has served in both the United States Navy and the United States Army.
He is a member of the Florida Bar and has also served as President of the Indian River County Bar Association and as a member of the 19th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission and the 19th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee. He has also served as a member of the Panel of Arbitrators of the American Arbitration Association. He has also been active in the community as a member of the Rotary Club, Director of Civil Defense, Vice President of the Taxpayers Association, and past Chairman of the County Historical Commission. He is a Mason and member of the Scottish Rite and the Amara Shrine.