CSM (Ret.) George R. Cooley

Command Sergeant Major George Raymond "Skip" Cooley (US Special Forces/ US Army Retired), 92, of Fayetteville passed away peacefully on October 27, 2024.

His beloved wife Marie of 64 years decided to call him home to be with her.

George was born on July 25, 1932, in Clearwater, Nebraska to the late George Cooley and Frances Hickman. Also preceding him in death is his sister, Elaine Cooley.

He left Nebraska with his family in 1933 during the Great Depression to go to Oregon. George remained in Oregon until he drafted into the military. George was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1950 right after graduating high school. After a short basic training, he was deployed to Korea during the war. There he was wounded and earned his first Purple Heart. While in Korea, he received multiple promotions and awards for heroism during that time. One of George’s most memorable moments was when he became the platoon Sergeant to a young Lieutenant Henry Everett Emerson, who became his platoon leader. Both George and Lieutenant Emerson fostered a lifelong friendship during their careers. George also gave him the nickname “Gun Fighter” which stuck with him throughout his military career. Lieutenant Emerson had a long-distinguished career also where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant General Emerson of the US Special Forces. George was later shanghaied into Special Forces by General Emerson while he was the Command Sergeant Major of Simmons Army Airfield on Ft. Bragg.

George spent 25 years in the United States Army and Special Forces where he was involved in several combat operations to include multiple tours in Vietnam, Congo, Dominican Republic, and other parts of the world. During his army career he was awarded many decorations/medals/badges/commendations to include the Navy Cross, Silver Star Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star Medal, 6 Purple Hearts, Joint Services Commendation Medals, Presidential Unit Citations, awards for heroism from France and Greece, along with numerous other awards and citations.

One of the greatest joys in George’s life was when he met and married the love of his life, Marie Owens, on February 2, 1955, at the chapel on Ft. Bragg. They were married for over 64 years until Marie’s passing in December of 2019. Other happy moments in his life included the birth of his 2 sons, Randy and Michael, as well as his grandson, Brian, and great-grandson, Jensen. George was also blessed to have many extended family and friends during his lifetime.

After retiring from the Army, George went back to work at Simmons Airfield as a civilian where his institutional knowledge of the airfield often served as a great resource. He had many fond memories of working with both the Army and civilian employees while stationed at Ft. Bragg. George retired from civil service at 60 years old. His hobbies included family genealogy, computers, and taking care of the beautiful landscape including the camelias, dogwoods, and other flowers for his beloved Marie. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Left to cherish George’s memory are his children, George Randolph Cooley and Charles Michael Cooley; grandson, Brian Michael Cooley; great-grandson, Jensen Michael Cooley and his beloved extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service from 4-6pm. The service is scheduled for 2pm Sunday, November 3, 2024, at Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service. The burial will follow at Lafayette Memorial Park.

Services are entrusted to Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service & Crematory.