I've posted before about obituaries and the writers who have to sum up an entire life in a few words, "Aviation Pioneer" or "Longtime Sax Player" or whatever. My favorite this morning is in the N.Y. Times and it reads:
Classic.
I was surprised this week to see the death of North Alabama humorist Billy Joe Cooley reported with so little information in The Huntsville Times.
Billy Joe Cooley, 78, of Huntsville died Sunday.
Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. today from the Huntsville chapel of Spry Funeral Home with Dr. Ralph Langley officiating. Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
I didn't know him well, but through my friend Gary Bridge, and I would have expected some mention of the books he published, or at least the writing he did in The Huntsville Times itself.
But Billy Joe was 78, retired, and tired too, cranky sometimes in the way older folks can be that either comes off as cute or cantankerous (Andy Rooney the former, maybe me, if not now then soon, the latter).
Now, not for the first time, I regret my reaction. Everyone is entitled to their bad days, and I should have just respected Billy Joe for his.
Rest in Peace!
David Murbach, Finder of Rockefeller Center Trees, Dies at 57
Classic.
I was surprised this week to see the death of North Alabama humorist Billy Joe Cooley reported with so little information in The Huntsville Times.
Billy Joe Cooley, 78, of Huntsville died Sunday.
Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. today from the Huntsville chapel of Spry Funeral Home with Dr. Ralph Langley officiating. Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
I didn't know him well, but through my friend Gary Bridge, and I would have expected some mention of the books he published, or at least the writing he did in The Huntsville Times itself.
But Billy Joe was 78, retired, and tired too, cranky sometimes in the way older folks can be that either comes off as cute or cantankerous (Andy Rooney the former, maybe me, if not now then soon, the latter).
The last communication I had with him was to include him on an admittedly mass e-mail promoting the three-part series I posted on the CSS Alabama and Raphael Semmes. As I clicked his name to include it on the "to" list, I remember thinking that he might enjoy the material. But instead I got back an email asking that he be taken off any future such mailings.
email is notorious for being without any feeling, for coming off much colder than the writer may intend, but I got on my high horse and was offended by his message. I wrote back that I would never send him anything again, and would in fact delete his address from my book, and I did.Now, not for the first time, I regret my reaction. Everyone is entitled to their bad days, and I should have just respected Billy Joe for his.
Rest in Peace!
Older people cranky?
ReplyDeleteNot on Wednesdays, when we get 5% discount at Publix.
Mr. Cooley was a great friend of mine. Unfortunately I was out of town when he passed away...I'm sad that I didn't find out about his illness or passing until it was too late for me to travel to pay my respects...Had it not been for Billy Joe Cooley, I probably would not be married to my wonderful husband. Long story, but suffice it to say that because of the kindness of Mr. Cooley, my husband and I married and raised 5 beautiful children together...Was Mr. Cooley ever cranky? You bet! Once he was angry with me for sending him a political joke about Al Gore. He emailed to give me a piece of his mind. I replied arguing that of all people a seasoned journalist should understand political humor, but apologized if I had offended him. He then replied with his apology explaining how he got cranky when his blood sugar was low, as well as, how he disliked getting junk email that he had no time for. However, he said he loved getting personal emails, (especially from friends). Tim, I know Mr. Cooley would have read what you sent to him if you had sent it to him personally. I also know that he would not hold a grudge against you for setting him straight. To the contrary, he would probably find something humorous to say just to make you feel better.
ReplyDeleteRIP MR. COOLEY (WE LOVE YOU KIND SIR...OUR FAMILY WILL MISS OUR VISITS WITH YOU AND JENNY GIRL)
Thank you, Tim, for mentioning my dear friend, Billy Joe Cooley, & his passing. I probably met Billy Joe the same year I met you, 1971. We had entirely different personalities--& views on so many things--but Billy Joe & I were very close. He would always keep my name & my businesses in his columns, as well as my entire family for their individual accomplishments. Billy Joe credited me for finally convincing him what incredible love & friendship a dog can give a person & I will never forget that. His Jenny the Wolfdog & my Eskimo Spitz, Symphony Supreme, would play wonderfully when I'd visit Huntsville after having moved away "forever to live amongst the Floridians" as he mentioned in one of his columns. He made fun of me when I moved to WV in 2004; noting "that I got things a tad backward as I often did" & ending it with his typical, "te he". I'll miss you, Billy Joe Cooley--of all people. Gary James Bridge Martinsburg, WV
ReplyDeleteI met Billy Joe around 1978. I spent a good bit of my evenings in varios bars(Plush Horse,Vapors-anyone remember Flutengales?) I ended up in his column a few times, but after the party part of my life I re-met this charming man and began a friendship that would last for thirty years. For whatever reason,anytime I relocated I would call to let him know-and almost always he had been there before-and Im talking about obscure place like Cash, Tx. Always witty he was a reminder of a pleasent part of my life. See ya in the ayem buddy. George C.
ReplyDeleteBilly Joe one of the most intersting people I've ever met.
ReplyDeleteI was working at a Huntsville TV station and met B.J. at The Vapors
Club in the mid eighties.We use to get press passes and go to many of
media events together. I use to tell him Billy Joe "you never cease to amaze me" He was always there to listen or help when you needed a friend.Anyone wishing a DVD of some of our adventures. I guess that's all I can do since I just learned of his death this morning. BJ ole Buddy I know the Angels are going to more than glad to have you. I'll be looking for you when I get there! You touched many lives and will always be known as a Great Person,
Anyone wainting a DVD can drop me a email at gary@brothergary.comcastbiz.net
I moved from Huntsville about 9 years ago but occasionaly talked with him on the phone and we would
would send emails ever few months.
I thank God I met BJ but I guess he never showed any anger on the phone or when we went on an Adventure.I guess we all get a little un happy when our body starts to fail us.
Is this the Bill Cooley that lived in Sebring, FL in the mid-70's?
ReplyDeleteYes, Pattyh, it is the same person. His Daddy lived there & Billy Joe moved there for just a short time in 1969 or 1970 before moving back to Huntsville, AL to take over News Editor, Entertainment Columnist, & other duties at The Huntsville News. Feel free to contact me for any additional information if you care to. Sincerely, Gary James Bridge
ReplyDeleteThis comment came to my email but is not showing up on the website, for some reason, so I am posting it. Tim
ReplyDeleteI am the eldest grandson of Billy Joe (Paw Paw). From time to time I like to Google his name to read different articles about him and from him. (It's nice to be able to that.) I found this one tonight. I would like to thank you all for writing your kind words and sharing stories. Because of articles and blogs like these I can show my children what their Great-Grandfather was like and his impact on others lives.
Sincerely,
Andrew Looney