Obituary of Andrew Clarence Cooley

Andrew Clarence Cooley, 95, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 16, 2020, with his family by his side.  Today, he is blessed to be with Jesus Christ, his savior, in the presence of God.

Born September 30, 1925 in Paraloma, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Jesse Clarence and Ellen Hutson Cooley.  During World War II, Andrew “Andy” went to Portland, Oregon to help build liberty ships.  It was there that Andy met the love of his life, Jean, who was also working as a welder.  Andy and Jean were married in Hot Springs, Arkansas after the war. 

They moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1950 where they established their home, raised two sons, and lived for the rest of their lives.  Andy and Jean were active members of Grace United Methodist Church.   Andy held nearly all positions of lay leadership over the years.  He was also involved in volunteer work to help those less fortunate locally, and in giving to various ministries.

Andy was a sales executive for much of his working career.  In 1962, he was given Charlotte’s Top Salesman Award by the Charlotte Sales and Marketing Executives.  Although promoted to managerial positions, later in his career he enjoyed returning to sales as it brought him closer to his customers.  By supplying plumbing, heating and industrial supplies for new construction, Andy had a hand in the rapid growth of Charlotte for several decades.

Andy was an avid golfer for much of his life, and also organized charity golf tournaments and outings.  He was a fan of all sports.  Andy enjoyed travelling extensively with Jean, and together they enjoyed God’s creation right in their own backyard.  Most of all, he loved to spend time with his family.  With his positive, upbeat attitude, he was an encourager and a kind, humble leader.  He was a man of faith, and an inspiration to us all.

Andy is survived by his sons, John Philip "Phil" Cooley and his wife, Susan, and James Douglas "Doug" Cooley and his wife, Tracy; grandchildren, Andrew Philip Cooley, Erin Cooley Keaton and her husband, Matthew, and Chelsea Cooley Altman and her former husband, Heath; great grandchildren, Airlie Scott Altman, Christopher Hank Altman, Amelia Sloane Keaton and Logan Wade Keaton; and many more loving family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Andy Cooley was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Jean Stover Cooley.  They have now been reunited in heaven, in the presence of God, through their faith in Jesus Christ.

As he had compassion for hurting people and those in need, please consider a donation in Andy’s memory to The Salvation Army,SalvationArmyUsa https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/

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