Earl Richard Cooley graduated to his Heavenly home Saturday, February 22, 2014 just shy of his 96th Birthday. The family is tremendously grateful for the loving and compassionate care he received in his final days at the Inpatient Hospice unit at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Gardens, Columbus, MS. Family and friends are welcome.

Mr. Cooley was born on March 16, 1918 in Saratoga Springs, NY to the late Wellington and Velma Cooley. He is preceded in death by his two brothers Floyd and Elliott Cooley, one sister, Elinor Cooley Todd, all of Saratoga Springs and his beloved wife of 65 years, Ida Kate Thompson Cooley.

Survivors include his daughter, Sandra K. Arney (Franklin) of Starkville; grandchildren, Lisa Abstein (Bill), Laura Smith (Johnny) and Steve Markley, his great-grandchildren, Brian Harrison (Sarena), Kaylan and Noah Smith and Nathan Abstein, as well as two great-grandchildren, Kyler and Owen Harrison.

Mr. Cooley retired after 21 years of service from the United States Air Force. During World War II he served with the European Theater of Operations and in 1963 he received the Air Force Commendation Medal.

He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by his family, but at home with his Lord.