Stuart Cooley

Stuart Cooley, 74, passed away on February 22, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, he was raised in Asheville, North Carolina, where he was shaped by the warmth and vitality of his Jewish family and community.

Stuart pursued a Bachelor's degree in Nursing and dedicated his life to caring for others as a Registered Nurse. His career was a testament to his compassion — he began in obstetrics, where he had the privilege of welcoming new lives into the world, then spent the heart of his career in Shock Trauma, where his skill and steadiness helped save countless lives. He finished his career in the PACU, guiding patients gently back to consciousness after surgery. At every stage, he brought the same quiet dedication and genuine care that defined everything he did.

Those who knew Stuart knew him as someone impossible not to love. His humor, kindness, and gift for storytelling drew people in, and his quirky personality had a way of making everyone around him laugh. He was endlessly patient and compassionate — not just as a nurse, but as a father, grandfather, and friend. He took great joy in the outdoors, spending time hunting, fishing, and camping whenever he could. He was also a remarkable builder and problem-solver, and friends and family will fondly remember his signature sign-off on any completed project: “Another fine job by Crambone Construction.”

Above all, Stuart treasured his family. He is survived by his son, Ben Cooley; his daughter-in-law, Katie; and his beloved granddaughters, Chloe and Davey-Blue, who brought him immeasurable joy. He is also survived by his cherished work family — the dedicated nurses and staff of the Shock Trauma and PACU departments at the Medical College of Georgia and Wellstar — colleagues who worked alongside him and knew firsthand the kind of nurse, and the kind of man, he truly was.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 4:00 PM at the Moretz Library. His funeral service will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Westover Memorial Park.

Stuart Cooley leaves behind a legacy of lives helped, lives saved, and lives made brighter by his presence. He will be deeply missed.