Harry Edison Cooley

Harry Edison Cooley, 88, of Winston-Salem, NC went to his heavenly home November 21, 2023 after a brief illness. 

Harry was born in El Paso, Texas on June 7, 1935. He surrendered his life to Christ in 1944. His family moved to Elk Park, NC when he was 9 years old after his father passed away. He attended Cranberry High School in Elk Park where he met Cozie Painter, who he later married. After graduating from high school in 1953, Harry attended Elon College, then proudly served in the United States Air Force for 5 years. In his fourth year of service, he married his beautiful bride, Cozie, August 18, 1957 and then moved to Winston-Salem, NC. 

Harry and Cozie bought their house in 1960 and lived in the same house for their entire married life. He worked for Western Electric, later AT&T, as a maintenance engineer. After retiring from AT&T, he worked for Blumenthal Retirement Home, doing everything from plumbing to electrical work, digging trenches and hanging pictures. There wasn’t much Harry couldn’t do or figure out how to do. He served faithfully at his local church, Griffith Baptist Church and Grace Baptist Church, serving in the choir, a devoted deacon, the building and grounds committee, and mission trips.  He also served in his community, helping neighbors and friends tirelessly. He exemplified Christ’s love in how he treated others with respect, his work ethic, and his desire to serve others.

In addition to Harry’s dedication to his church, he was a loving and devoted husband and father.  He sacrificed much to allow his children to have a good education and be able to grow and live life to their fullest. He took his family on many camping trips to the beach, went skiing at different lakes and some trips across the country. Harry loved spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them God’s love and telling them stories about his early days. In addition to his love for his family, he loved his dogs.  He owned several different dogs and loved many grand-dogs, they all learned quickly who to go to for a treat.  

Harry was preceded in death by his son, Brian Cooley and his daughter in-law Pamela Cooley. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Cozie Cooley; daughter, Cherlynn; son, Geron; daughter in-law, Rachel Cooley; and grandchildren, Jonathan, Nathan, Hannah, and Sarah.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 26 from 2:00 to 4:00PM at Hayworth-Miller in Winston-Salem.  The Service will be on Monday, November 27 at 11:00 at Grace Baptist Church.  Burial will follow the service at noon at Parklawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to make memorial contributions to either Grace Baptist Church or Griffith Baptist Church and designate it to Missions.