Funeral arrangements have been announced for Smiths Station Mayor Richard A. Cooley, who passed away Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Columbus Hospice House in Columbus, Georgia. He was 79.
According to Vance Brooks Funeral Home, a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. EDT Thursday, October 29, at Smiths Station Baptist Church, with Dr. David Kees officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the church from 10 a.m. until the service begins at 11 a.m.
Cooley was born May 26, 1947, in Opelika, Alabama, to the late W.D. Cooley and Nell Blackmon Cooley. He called Smiths Station home for more than 60 years and graduated from Smiths Station High School in 1965.
Following high school, Cooley served in the United States Air Force, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. He later earned degrees from Auburn University and Troy University before dedicating 40 years to public education, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent.
Cooley was among the leaders involved in Smiths Station’s incorporation efforts and spent more than 20 years serving the community through local government, including his time on the City Council and as mayor.
Outside of public service, Cooley enjoyed electronics, classic cars and working with his tractor. He was a member of the Smiths Station Ruritan Club, the Lee County Republican Club and Smiths Station Baptist Church. He also served as a member and former president of the Tan Son Nhut national veterans organization, named after a joint military base in Vietnam.
Cooley is survived by his wife of 57 years, Brenda Weatherly Cooley, along with several nieces and nephews, extended family members, his church family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Loving Touch Assisted Living, a veterans home in Smiths Station, at 245 Lee Road 294, Smiths Station, AL 36877.
Online condolences may be shared through Vance Brooks Funeral Home.
CNAW2News.com extends its condolences to the Cooley family and the Smiths Station community.
