Johnny was born on July 4, 1930, in Luling, Texas, to Leonard Franklin Cooley and Mabel Norman. He grew up in the Texas Hill Country along the Sabinal River outside of Utopia, where he attended Utopia schools.
When Johnny was 16, he had a chance encounter with Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys while they were playing in Bandera. As the story goes, the band heard him sing and asked him to go on tour with them, but his mother wouldn't let him go.
As a young man, Johnny answered his country's call and joined the United States Army. He served two years as an infantryman during the Korean War, stationed in Germany. After his service, he returned home and began a 43-year career in the oil and gas business in South Texas.
Johnny was blessed with a large, loving family across two chapters of his life. From his marriage to Carolyn Morrison, they had three sons: Jay Cooley (Lana), Scott Cooley (Kevin Reedy), and Todd Cooley (Michelle). In 1977, Johnny married the love of his life, Nearlie Pakebusch Smith, and expanded his family to include Linda Upchurch (Frank), Lana Cooley (Jay), John Smith (Stacey), Liz Barta, and Shane Smith (Wendy). Together, Johnny and Nearlie cherished their shared family of 8 children, 12 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.
Deeply rooted in their faith, Johnny and Nearlie were dedicated members of First Baptist Church in Victoria, Texas, for many years.
Johnny gave generously to the Cuero community. As a longtime and respected Little League coach, he helped shape generations of young players, and he twice served as President of the Cuero Little League Association. He also volunteered for several years with the Cuero Turkey Trot Association.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Franklin Cooley and Mabel Norman; sister, Nadine Taylor (Jay); brother, Carl Cooley (Mary); daughter Linda Upchurch (Frank), three grandchildren, and their beloved fur baby, Chataignier.
Who knows where that tour with Bob Wills might have led? Instead, Johnny lived a life in which he never met a stranger. He cherished the simple joys: nearly 50 years with his beloved wife, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, countless friends, competitive family poker games, and his favorite outdoor pastimes—golfing, fishing, and hunting at his deer lease. He was especially proud of his German Shorthaired Pointer, Lady, who gained fame by hunting with President George H.W. Bush and Wally Schirra, one of the original Mercury Seven astronauts. In retirement, he made regular trips to his deer camp, often just to feed the fish in the pond or spend quality time with his family, and met weekly with his friends in the "Glutton Club" in Runge.
He will be missed by many and forgotten by no one. Rest in peace, Gramps!
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 11 AM at First Baptist Church in Victoria.
A time of fellowship and light reception will immediately follow in the fellowship hall.
A private family inurnment will be held in Westhoff Cemetery.
