MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2012 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Horhn, Frazier, Blount, Simmons (12th), Clarke, Butler (38th), Jackson (32nd), Stone
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SYMPATHY ON THE PASSING OF RESPECTED JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATOR AND TOUGALOO COLLEGE ALUMNUS HARRY A. COOLEY OF HOLLANDALE, MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, Jackson State University Administrator, United States Air Force Pilot and Tougaloo College Alumnus Harry A. Cooley of Hollandale, Mississippi, passed away on April 6, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Harry A. Cooley was born on August 8, 1931, in Hollandale, Mississippi. Given his humble upbringing in a rural community and on a farm, he could rightly be called a renaissance man. He graduated from Tougaloo College in 1952, where he lettered in football and basketball; and
WHEREAS, Harry commenced his career as an Air Force aviation cadet, earning ratings as a navigator, radar operator, bombardier, and later pilot. During his colorful career, he served as Aircraft Commander primarily in B-47 and C-130 aircraft, in command and staff positions, and as Professor of Air Science at the University of Akron. During his stint in the Air Force, Harry earned a Master's degree, and upon his retirement entered and earned a Doctorate degree from Washington State University; and
WHEREAS, armed with the terminal degree, he served in administrative and professorial positions at several institutions of higher learning, namely: Washington State University, Coppin State College, University of Maryland - College Park, and Jackson State University; and
WHEREAS, he capped his academic career by serving as an Administrator for the United States Department of Education; and
WHEREAS, while he was dedicated to each position he held, his lifelong passion was tennis; and
WHEREAS, Harry was preceded in death by his parents, William and Leona Cooley; and his brother, Quintus Cooley (USS Bonefish). He is survived by his sister and brother, Thelma (Roscoe) Robinson and William M. (Lillian) Cooley; Cousin, Dorothy Smith; nieces, Shelia (Wayne) Fleshman and Toni D. Cooley; nephew, Roscoe (Beatrice) Robinson; and dear friend, Audrey Smith; and
WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this talented Mississippian whose great spirit and intellect enriched the lives of all his students and colleagues:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby express sympathy on the passing of respected Jackson State University Administrator, United States Air Force Pilot and Tougaloo College Alumnus Harry A. Cooley of Hollandale, Mississippi.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented at the Harry Cooley Memorial service and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.