John McDonald Cooley Sr.

John McDonald Cooley, Sr., 95, of Lexington, SC passed away on August 15, 2026. He was born in Swansea, SC on January 17, 1931 and was the son of the late Thomas William and Mary Lawson Graham Cooley.

John graduated from Swansea High School in 1949 and went on to graduate from USC in 1956. During his years at USC, he lettered in baseball in 1954, 1955, and 1956, serving as a starting pitcher—an early reflection of the discipline, composure, and commitment that would continue to define his path.

From 1951 to 1953, John served in the United States Navy during the Korean War, answering his country’s call with quiet resolve and a deep sense of duty.

Following his military service, John devoted his professional life to education, working as a teacher and principal in Richland School District One for 31 years. Through decades of service, he brought consistency, integrity, and care to his work, shaping school communities through leadership grounded in respect and responsibility.

He is survived by his sons, John McDonald Cooley, Jr. (Hart Hayden) of Cayce and Michael William Cooley (Adrienne) of Lexington; step-daughter, Sharon Inabinet Eden (Randy); and grandchildren, Ashley Marie Cooley, Evan Randle Eden, and John William Cooley.

Mr. Cooley was predeceased by his wife, Geraldine Stone Cooley and his siblings: Margaret, Thomas, Joseph and Mary.

John McDonald Cooley, Sr. will be remembered with gratitude for the life he lived and the example he set.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home – Lexington Chapel, 503 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072. A private interment will be at a later date at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Cemetery in Swansea, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org/donate).