By By MaryClaire Foster
Devoted family man and well-known Atmore businessman John Coley, 86, passed away Tuesday from a heart attack.
Coley was the founder of Coley Air Conditioning and Heating in 1953, which is still in business today and being run by his son, Danny Coley, and grandson, Judd Coley.
Judd Coley said grandfather was working in a sheet metal factory in Birmingham when his wife’s uncle persuaded him to move to Atmore to work for his plumbing business.
Danny Coley said both he and his son Judd grew up in the business and his father enjoyed hearing stories about their work experiences.
Those same stories were traded over the weekly family lunch Judd Coley said his grandfather came up from Pensacola for every Wednesday; a tradition Judd Coley said will be especially missed.
Besides his passion for family, John Coley had in recent years developed a passion for dancing of all kinds, especially ballroom, which developed after meeting his companion, Ellen Black.
Danny Coley said his passion for dancing led him to build a large network of friends.
Judd Coley said many of the women that were involved in the different clubs spoke highly of John Coley’s dancing skills.
Darbe Hooten, John Coley’s granddaughter, said something else dear to her grandfather’s heart was Atmore.
John Coley was also a member of the First Baptist Church Atmore, a World War II Army Veteran, a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Warrington Elks Lodge and a member of the Eagles and the Grotto.