Huntsville - Adrian Bolton Cooley, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Huntsville, Texas on July 4, 2025.

Born in Amelia, Texas on September 28, 1928, he spent his early years helping his father and mother run a ranch outside Devers, Texas. There he attended high school, studied hard, played football and other sports and even drove the school bus his senior year! He also met the love of his life there, Patricia Hart Elkins, when he, at age 2½, attended her mother's baby shower with his mother! They married on September 11, 1947 and were married over 77 years until her death in December 2024.

Never wanting to see another cow as long as he lived, he was the first in his family to attend college, obtaining both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Sam Houston State University and later, his Ph.D from The University of Texas. His wife followed him to Sam Houston where she obtained both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees. They both taught in the Devers and Liberty public schools before moving back to Huntsville. He taught Physics at Sam Houston for over 35 years, retiring as head of the Physics department. Early on, he managed married student housing and some of the dorms. For years, he also ran the astronomy observatory on the SHSU campus. He loved to teach, especially those students who were afraid of math and science. He also tutored many people for free, including his children and grandchildren. He received the Outstanding Teacher Award in 1980, no mean feat for a Physics professor! All three of his daughters graduated from Sam Houston and were privileged to have their father personally hand them their degrees.

Having grown up during the Depression working hard, he continued to love physical work (except for cows) and was always the first to offer to help others. He not only understood how things worked, he could usually fix them if they were broken, often with only a handkerchief and a pocket knife. Although duct tape became a favorite later. He did not mind getting his hands dirty and was always there when he was needed.

He and his wife enjoyed square dancing, rock hounding and RVing for many years. He was a humble man, always a good friend and neighbor. For years, he drove old pickup trucks and wore the same clothes so his family could have safer cars and newer clothes. He was a good husband and good father with a strong sense of right and wrong. He also had strong opinions! He never lost his deep East Texas accent and was a wonderful storyteller.

The Cooley's home continued to be the center of all family holidays and special occasions for over 40 years. For the last several years, the Cooley's were able to remain together in their home, thanks to several wonderful caretakers who became like part of the family. Their loving care is much appreciated. As is the assistance and care provided by St. Joseph Hospice and Divine Life Services.

He is survived by his three daughters, Cynthia Elizabeth Wood Trott, Nancy Ellen Cooley and Adrianne Lambeth and her husband, John W. Lambeth, by his grandchildren, Christopher Elkins Wood and his wife, Vera Lam Wood, Thomas Patrick Trott, Annalee Hart Lambeth and John Adrian "Jack" Lambeth and by his two great-grandchildren, Genevieve Elizabeth Wood and Adrian Arthur Wood.

Having lived 96 years, he was predeceased by most his friends and relatives, including his wife, Patricia, his parents, Adrian Bolton Cooley, Sr. and Anna Koelemay Cooley, his mother and father-in-law, R.L. "Jack" Elkins and his second grandson, Nicholas Cooley Wood.

A graveside service for both the Cooley's will be held in the fall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the Adrian and Patricia Cooley Scholarship Fund at Sam Houston State University or to the First Baptist Church of Huntsville.