Stephen Alexander Cooley

1939 - 2015

COOLEY, Stephen Alexander Stephen Alexander Cooley died on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at his home in Ponte Vedra, Florida. He was 75 years old. Alex was born December 15, 1939, the night the movie Gone with the Wind premiered in Atlanta, Georgia. In fact, his mother Frances Cooley, was part of the crowd waiting to see Clark Gable on the red carpet when she went into labor. From that special day, Atlanta would come to know Alex as a true force of nature who would bring winds of change to Atlanta through his passion for music and his vision that put Atlanta on the music map. He was so many things to so many people - whether you knew him personally or just connected with him through experiencing the many diverse and creative ways he brought music to Atlanta - he was your friend. Many wonderful tributes have been made by business partners, musicians and friends about Alex Cooley's contributions as one of the nation's premier concert promoters. And yet, to his family, he was just Alex: loving son, husband, brother and uncle. No matter how busy his professional life kept him, he did his best to never miss holidays with the family or Sunday dinner at his mother's house where the whole family gathered for a southern feast and her famous cornbread. And you would frequently see Alex's mom at many of the concerts he produced - She was always his number one fan and attended concerts into her mid 90's! Alex Cooley garnered both a national and international reputation as a promoter based on his accomplishments in music. All beginning with the legendary International Pop Festival in 1969. He became the most prolific concert promoter in the Southeast and was known for these venues and events: Alex Cooley's Electric Ballroom, the Great Southeast Music Hall , Chastain Park , Coca Cola Roxy Theatre , The Cotton Club, his personal favorite, Music Midtown, and finally Eddie's Attic. Alex had many interests in life in addition to music: among his favorites were travel, food and books. And while concerts and music were at the top of his list, his love for all animals was not far behind. He especially loved whales, elephants and dogs and donated to many rescues over the years to save them. He was a big man with big ambitions and an amazing heart that was so strong, it defied all the odds. He was very grateful for all the wonderful care he had from his exceptional doctors. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Frances Cooley and his sister Raye Gower Moore. He is survived by his wife Virginia Cooley of Warner Robbins; his sister Ethel Cooley Lofton of Winder; nieces, nephews and their spouses; Edie and Mark Sayeg, Buster and Debbie Gower, Dean and Val Lofton, Mike Lofton, Keith and Tracey Lofton and numerous grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. There will be a celebration of Alex's life on January 9th, 2016 at 7 pm at the Tabernacle in Atlanta. Everyone is welcome. Alex truly loved life and lived it well - it was his wish that this be a joyous occasion filled with music, love and all his friends and family. In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite animal charity would honor Alex's memory, specifically no kill or rescue organizations.