John Robert
In Memory of
John Robert "Jack"
Cooley
1937 - 2018
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Kirk Funeral Homes
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Obituary for John Robert "Jack" Cooley

John Robert Cooley (Jack), age 81, of Demopolis, Alabama went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, September 21, 2018. Jack was born and raised in Talladega, Alabama and has called Demopolis home for the last 26 years. Jack attended Talladega High School, college at Auburn University, and graduated with a BS from Jacksonville State University. He was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps, and National Guard. He spent his early employment years in Talladega where he was involved in multiple organizations and clubs to support his hometown community, including serving as Commander of the Talladega Police Reserve. Jack retired from Alfa Insurance as a District Manager after 25 years of service. In retirement, Jack became a restaurateur, owning a BBQ restaurant and catering business. He was an active Leader of the First United Methodist Church in Demopolis where he was a Sunday school teacher, choir member, President of the Men's Club and presently Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Jack was a founding principal of the Alabama BBQ Association and led the annual Christmas on the River BBQ cook-off for several years. He continued his desire to support his community, including two terms of service on the Demopolis City Council. Jack enjoyed golf and enjoyed participating in golf tournaments with his wife. He was a member of the Alabama 60 Plus Golf Association and was voted man of the year in 2017 by his peers. He was an avid Auburn football fan, cherished his friends, loved his family, living his life to the fullest, and above all else put God first.

Jack is proceeded in death by his parents, John Ed Cooley and Lucille Cooley Grogan and his son, Raif Cooley.

Jack is survived by his devoted wife of 28 years, Patsy Turner Cooley. His sister, Betty Cooley Diffley. His children Tanya Cooley Halford , Dee Estes Harrell (Jimmy), Leigh Estes Street, Claude Estes, IV (Eleanor), Kelly Estes (Meredith). His grandchildren Hannah Halford, Morgan Halford, George Pantazis (Amanda), Patrick Pantazis (Ellen), Allison Harrell, Georgia McGhee (Chris), Claude Estes V (Cameron), Campbell Estes, Dorothy Estes, Cromwell Estes, Mary Katherine Estes, Will Estes and precious great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

We are thankful for his life, his love, his example of services to others and his unwavering faith in Christ.

The Celebration of Life for Jack will be held on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at First United Methodist Church Demopolis, Alabama, and visitation will begin at 12:30 followed by a service at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made to First United Methodist Church Men’s Club and the projects they are implementing. 200 E Decatur St, Demopolis, AL 36732.

Affiliations


US Marine Corps