Peter Meldrim Cooley, Jr.

December 3, 1928 - February 8, 2025

Pete attended Sacred Heart Church School from 1935-1943, and Benedictine Military School from 1943 - 1947. He was a part of the Cheerleading Squad and very athletic. He graduated with honors.

Our father was a hardworking man. He was a SGT. in the Air Force as a medic, and served during the Korean Conflict 1948 through August 1950. While in the Service he earned his degree in Chemistry.

While on leave the love of his life, Mildred Elizabeth Martin, was waiting on him and they got married at Sacred Heart Church June 25, 1949. After getting out of the Air Force he returned to Savannah and began working at Hercules Plant using his Chemistry. In 1952 he went to Savannah Sugar refinery, where he became their Raw Sugar Chemist and Bacteriologist. In 1966 he became the Chief Chemist, heading up the laboratory.

In 1968-1982 He went to Savannah Vocational Technical School. He was a college Professor teaching Chemistry, Physics and Biology. He was in high demand. He was responsible for developing the American Chemical Society Curriculum for "Individual Program of Study" for college students. Also, he taught pre-Engineers and worked with inhalation Therapists Trainees.

Also, during these years, he worked as a Consultant for Memorial Medical Center Laboratory. He also was a Consultant for Garden City Water Treatment Plant. 1983 he designed the laboratory plant operations for the new Katalistiks. When he finished designing and completing the labs he hired 10 of his previous students he taught, all girls. He had several jobs at once.

For Pete's personal fun time he belonged to the American Chemical Society, the Federal Communication Commission, Chatham County Civil Defense, the American Legion (Ganem Post), The Ham Radio Club- K4JAC since the 50's. He was so proud.

Our father was a wonderful, smart, sharing and protective man. He and Mildred had 3 daughters, Kathleen, Madeline and MaryAnne. Daddy was always teaching us 3 girls and the grandchildren something that would help us then or later in life.