John Cooley
John McConnell Cooley, beloved son, brother, brother-in-law, and buddy to all went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at the age of 53. As Johnny's remarkable earthly life came to an end, he instantaneously took residence in his heavenly mansion for all eternity.
John was born in Chattanooga, on Nov. 26, 1961, to Jim and Dolores Cooley. His education experiences include the wonderful work of Orange Grove Center and several public schools in Hamilton County. He was a member of Signal Mountain Baptist Church.
Johnny lived an amazing life extending love, joy, and hugs to EVERYONE he met. He loved music-singing in the Orange Grove Chorus, at family gatherings, and at church. While with the Orange Grove Chorus, Johnny had opportunities to sing at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and at the inauguration of former Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist. John enjoyed shooting basketball, participating in Special Olympics, and working puzzles (with the back side up, causing everyone to say “How did he do that?” )
Johnny looked forward with great anticipation to family vacations at the beach where he would fill his day swimming in the pool, riding bikes, diving for sand dollars, and spending time on the putting green. He enjoyed finishing his day at the seafood buffet followed by bingo and line dancing. He could do a mean bunny hop.
One of John's greatest honors was to serve as co-chair of Chattanooga's United Way Campaign with his dear friend Mr. Jerry Adams. Johnny's life represented the heart of the mission of United Way and it was a distinct privilege for him to serve.
Through the years of his singing ministry, Johnny's theme song became “He Touched Me and Made Me Whole”. John was blessed to have the opportunity to share his testimony through this song at countless gatherings including being asked to sing to a crowd of 3000 attendees at the annual meeting of the Tennessee Baptist Convention in the late 1980's. Today, based on the truth of God's Word, we know that Johnny's body, mind, spirit and soul have been made whole by the healing and redeeming power of his Savior-the Lord Jesus Christ!
Johnny was a loving, accepting, gentle, and kind man. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends. What a blessing and inspiration Johnny was to everyone he met. We are thankful to God for his life. Johnny, you are the BEST brother and son we could have ever had. Godspeed John Boy, we love you forever!
Johnny is survived by his mother, Dolores Cooley; brother, Jimmy Cooley (Janie); sister, Chrissi Cooley Vieth (George); and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, James H Cooley, and his grandparents.
A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, March 4, at 2 p.m. at Signal Mountain Baptist Church with Dr. Steven Wright officiating. Burial will follow in Chattanooga Memorial Park.
A heartfelt thank you to all those who cared so lovingly for Johnny during his illness: Alexian Brothers Home Care, Rescare Home Care, numerous private caregivers, and Hospice of Chattanooga. The family is especially grateful for the support, love and encouragement from the congregation of Signal Mountain Baptist Church and Johnny’s extended church families at First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga, and the First Baptist Church of Chickamauga, Georgia.
The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, at Lane Funeral Home Ashland Terrace in Red Bank.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Signal Mountain Baptist Church, Orange Grove Center or Hospice of Chattanooga.
Please visit www.lanefh.com to share memories and condolences.
Arrangements are under the care of Lane Funeral Home Ashland Terrace, 423 877-3524.