Harold Cooley

Harold Max Cooley VIRGINIA BEACH - Harold Max Cooley, 88, died Sunday evening in Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. The son of the late Ray and Lena Cooley, Max was born on Aug. 12, 1921 in Clatskanie, Ore. He grew up as many children did in rural America, working hard on family farms, picking seasonal crops and tending animals. He was an accomplished rider and explored the wilds of the Cascade Range on horseback. World War II took Max into the farthest regions of the Pacific, where he served on ships carrying landing craft. He was present at the Battle of Leyte. Following the war, Max went home to Oregon and said his goodbyes. Then he boarded a train that took him to Virginia, back to the stunning brunette he had met at a dance at Little Creek Amphibious Base in 1944. For the love of Ann, this sailor gave up his life in the Pacific Northwest and lived the rest of his days in Tidewater. Following marriage, Max joined the firm of Acme Camera Shop in the old Monticello Arcade. For decades he advised and equipped both amateur and professional photographers in Norfolk. But business was always a secondary interest. Max was devoted to his two sons and shared with them his own love of camping, boating, and travel. In retirement Max and Ann drove across the country countless times in their motor home. In all these things, the greatest passion Max ever expressed was his love for the family. Max is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Ann Nelson Cooley. He is also survived by his two sons and daughters-in-law, Ray and Scherry Cooley of Vancouver, Wash.; Randy and Brenda Cooley of Dinwiddie, Va. Max adored his grandchildren, John, Brian, Mark and Peter Cooley, Lauren Cooley McCracken and Crystal Spence. The great-grandchildren include grandson Ryder, triplets Heidi, Lily and Kaitlyn, twins Sophie and Bailey, Ronald, Bryce and Haylei. Counted among the survivors is Max's faithful dog, Frankie. He will miss his master. Margery Cooley Elliot and Ray Cooley, both of Oregon, predeceased their brother. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Virginia Beach SPCA. Friends are invited to visit the family at home in Virginia Beach on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. Arrangements by Hollomon-Brown.