Mr. Coolidge Columbus “Coot” Hulsey, Jr. age 81 of Rockmart, GA passed away on June 16, 2022. He passed peacefully after a lengthy illness with family by his side.
Born at his family’s home in Braswell, GA January 6, 1941 to Coolidge “Coot” Hulsey, Sr & Lillie Mae (Brown) Hulsey, he was the youngest child of seven children.
Coot was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Margaret Hardman, Louise Barker, Ann Jones, Harold Hulsey, Herb Hulsey, and niece Deidra Hardman.
He was a 1959 honor graduate of Rockmart High School, and afterwards attended Georgia Tech. He worked at Western Electric and then as an engineer and district supervisor at Southern Bell for 31 years, he retired in 1991. He took over operations at Coot’s Lake Beach in 1983 after his fathers passing. He continued the family business until his health no longer allowed him to do so.
He was an avid reader, guitar player, singer, collector, and dreamer.
He was an accomplished builder, craftsman, and engineer. He would sketch projects to build or get something in his mind then go to work on whatever it was. He helped his father build the stone and concrete dam that created Coot’s Lake from the time he was a young boy until he graduated high school. He built his own home, other buildings, and features on his property.
He was a world traveler. Always researching a place to go, adding to the list, ready for the next site to see, and taking hundreds of photos along the way. He traveled to four continents including numerous states, and countries within them. He once captained a ship and fished for piraña on the Amazon River. He sailed boats all over the Caribbean and Virgin Islands. He had several boats over his lifetime and loved being on the water at home and away. He hiked the mountain to Machu Pichu with his nephews. He took many ski trips to various states with his wife and friends. He was an accomplished skier both on water and snow. Rode on small planes with his friends and occasionally hung out at the Cedartown airport. Took road-trips cross country on many occasions alone and with family and friends. He loved the beach and views from mountains. He loved traveling with his wife, children, and other family and friends all his life. He lovingly got the nickname “WFC” or “World Famous Coot” because he would meet people and make friends everywhere he went.
He loved music and guitars. He taught himself to play guitar at a young age. Coot played guitar and his brother Herb the Banjo. Often they would play together, playing current music and throwing in old theme songs and commercials from radio programs they listened to as kids. Coot would listen to new or classic songs and practice playing them over and over until he got them right. Often performing music for family and friends as well as at local bars and get togethers on his travels. He went on a Rafting trip on Big Bend river with his songwriter friends and attended a writers workshop on the same trip. He once played guitar and sang at the Ryman, the Bluebird Cafe, and several times along side some notable Nashville song writers and artists. He played several times at a venue in St. Croix with his brother where they often vacationed. He attended numerous concerts, festivals, and awards shows. He collected albums and always had music playing, and singing along to them or having his favorite drink out on his deck or at the lake while listening.
He loved his classmates from the Class of 1959, the Pioneers from the phone company, and the Lions Club which he was once a member and president. He often got together with them for reunions and dinners.
Ever the entertainer, he was ALWAYS the life of the party wherever he went, joking and telling stories of all kinds.
He is survived by his wife Patricia (Roach-Cooper) Hulsey. They were married Oct 13, 1978 and had been married for 43 years. One sister, Jeanette Hulsey of Rockmart, GA., Three children, Susan Hulsey of Murphy, NC., Judith (John) Dooley of Rockmart, GA., and Thomas Hulsey of Rockmart, GA. Seven grandchildren: Danielle (Pete) Morales of League City, TX., Michaela (Zack) Holloway of San Antonio, TX., Peyton (AJ) Burts of Friendswood, TX., Hudson & Ayden George of Rockmart, GA., and Madison & Wade Dooley of Cartersville, GA., Five Great-Grand Children: Brooke & Xavier Solomon and Arianna Oliva of League City, TX., Braxton & Klara Holloway of San Antonio, TX., multiple nieces & nephews, cousins, and close family friends.
He loved and admired his wife, children, and grandchildren so much often doting on them and talking about them to everyone. He was close to and adored so many people at home and all over the country that all cannot be named. He lived a full and exciting life.
In keeping with his wishes, Mr. Hulsey will be cremated and memorial services are incomplete at this time.
Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Coolidge Columbus “Coot” Hulsey, Jr..