Raymond Dwight Cooley

Raymond Dwight Cooley, 71, of Stuarts Draft, passed away on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at his residence after a courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Cooley was born on February 2, 1950, in Warsaw, New York, and was a son of the late Clifford Delos and Ellen Mae (Stickle) Cooley. He graduated from Houghton College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics. Ray worked in telecommunications for many years, three of which he spent working in England and France helping with the transatlantic fiber optic cable. He was also the last person to test the 911 system before it went live. After his retirement he worked as a pharmacy tech. Ray attended Greenmonte Fellowship. He was known for his great sense of humor and generosity. On March 30, 2019, he married the former Esther Eshleman who survives. In addition to his wife, Ray is survived by his stepchildren, Melanie Miller and husband Matt, Anthony Eshleman and wife Shannon, Sherry Fields and husband David, Beth Davis and husband Joe; a brother, Dale Cooley and wife Katie; nine step-grandchildren; one step-great-granddaughter; one niece; five nephews; eight great nieces and nephews; five great-great nieces and nephews; numerous cousins; and many beloved friends. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Joanna (Cooley) Bickle and a brother, David Cooley. A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at 4:00 on Sunday June 6th at Greenmonte Fellowship with Pastor Seth Hankee officiating. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family requests all memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Those wishing may share a memory or an online condolence by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com Arrangements entrusted to the Stuarts Draft Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes.