Tuggie was born in rural Washington County, Mississippi, the seventh of nine children to Edgar Harrison and Runie Alice Wade. She graduated from Hollandale (MS) High School and from Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in Vicksburg, MS. During school, she met the love of her life, Alex McCool Jr. and the couple was married on July 3, 1953 and resided in Mississippi and Alabama. She worked as a Registered Nurse at Huntsville Hospital, Madison County Health Department, and American Red Cross.
Tuggie was an active member of Whitesburg Baptist Church for over 50 years. She enjoyed singing in the church choir and teaching children’s Sunday school classes. She also enjoyed sewing, gardening, corresponding with friends, traveling, with her favorite local destination being at the beach and her favorite overseas destination was Israel. One of her greatest joys was taking care of her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.
Tuggie is survived by her husband, Alex, children Alex McCool III (Jennifer), and Janet Cooper (Jack), four grandchildren Alex McCool IV (Chelsea), Nathan Cooper (Ashleigh), Daniel Cooper (Kaylynn) and Nicholas McCool, five great-grandchildren, her sister Sue Patterson (Wayne) and many nieces and nephews.
A service will be held at Whitesburg Baptist Church Chapel on Wednesday, June 17th at 11:00 AM. The family will hold a private graveside service at Valhalla Memory Gardens.
Memorials may be given to Hospice Family Care, 10000 Serenity Lane, Huntsville, AL, 35803. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Kirk Holdsambeck, hospice nurse Jan Howle, and all the special caregivers that attended to her the last six months.
