Hoke S. Cooley, Sr.

Our Hometown Heroes

Hoke S. Cooley, Sr.

Golf Pro Served in European Theater

Even though he was born in Atlanta in 1915, Hoke S. Cooley, Sr. moved to Griffin and listed his occupation as, “Golf-Pro.” The 1940 census shows Cooley was a, “coach,” and lived with his wife, Kathryn at 105 S. 10th Street, Orrs District, Griffin.

His father and mother were Joel F. and Rachael Cooley. He was the middle child with two older brothers and two younger sisters.

Cooley enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 3, 1943, serving with the 563rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery. Not much is known of Cooley’s military service except that he was killed on February 21, 1945, near World War II’s, end. He is buried in the Henri-Chapelle, Belgium Cemetery.

For his service he received the Purple Heard medal.