William Michael Cooney

July 7, 1937 – May 26, 2026

William Michael Cooney, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of his life, Barbara, and their three children, Kimmie, Greg & Carolyn.

William, affectionately known as Mike (PawPaw), was 88 years old and had a life well-lived. Born on July 7, 1937, in Tyler, Texas, to Marie Lallie and Charles Augustine Cooney, Mike was the youngest of four sons. He was predeceased by his brothers Tom, Gerald, and Raymond.

Mike attended High School at Subiaco Academy in Arkansas, where he graduated in 1955. A talented football player, he was recruited to play at the University of Arkansas, where he played quarterback for the Razorbacks from 1955-1959 and as a student coach under Coach Frank Broyles in 1960. He earned an undergraduate Engineering degree from University of Arkansas and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.

Mike married Barbara Ann McNew, on June 28, 1959, in their hometown of Tyler, Texas. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to love and commitment, spanning nearly 67 years. Together, they built a loving family, raising three children: Kimmie Cooney Rutkowski (Jeff), Greg Cooney (Pam) and Carolyn Cooney Bacon (David). Mike's family was his pride and joy, and he was a devoted and nurturing father.

Mike's career as an engineer was marked by integrity and leadership. He led his team, Defense Systems & Electronics Group (DSEG), to win the coveted Malcolm Baldridge Award in 1992. He retired from Texas Instruments as Senior Vice President in 1996 after 34 years.

Mike & Barbara shared a passion for travel and loved planning fun trips with their children & grandchildren. As a dedicated Dad & PawPaw he rarely missed games, concerts and performances. He always found time to "give back" by volunteering through his church & Meals on Wheels.

As his oldest granddaughter, Kenley, so beautifully wrote: "Pawpaw lived his faith quietly but powerfully through integrity, loyalty, humility, generosity, and unconditional love. He loved his wife, our BB fiercely — the kind of steady, enduring love that shaped our whole family." This is the legacy that will be passed to his seven grandchildren: Kenley Cooney Larkin (Andrew), Katy Cooney, Charlie Cooney (Natalie), Brock Bacon, Bailey Bacon, Brody Bacon, Jake Rutkowski and his three great-grandchildren: Grayson Larkin, Owen Larkin, Emma Larkin. Mike cherished every moment with them, imparting wisdom and sharing stories that will forever be etched into their hearts.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Luis Alejandro Mancilla, our dear friend, who has cared for Mom and Dad over the last several years with compassion and intentional kindness. We also express our deepest appreciation to Dr. Tyler Metzger, our parents' primary physician.

In Loving Memory of Our Dad donations may be made in his honor to one of the following organizations: Catholic Diocese of Dallas/TV Mass/Homebound Ministry or First Richardson Helpers.

Friends and family are invited to a service on June 19, 2026, at 2:00PM at St. Paul's Catholic Church, located at 720 S. Floyd Road, Richardson, Texas and a Celebration of Life immediately following at The Fifth: Fireside Patio and Bar from 3-5. It will be a time to share memories of a man who touched the lives of all who knew him.