Marshall French Cooley, 85, of Boiling Springs, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Hudson Victor Cooley and Grace Melisa Thompson Cooley. Marshall was a lifelong farmer, businessman, and community leader whose work integrity, and servant’s heart left a lasting mark throughout the Upstate and surrounding communities.

At just 14 years old, Marshall began selling eggs door-to-door, sometimes selling as many as one thousand dozen eggs in a single day. He built Cooley’s Eggs into one of the Carolinas’ most successful egg operations, employing dozens of people and supplying grocery stores throughout the region. Following the sale of the egg business, he continued his career in trucking as a contract carrier while also farming corn, soybeans, wheat, and peaches.

Throughout his life, Marshall received numerous honors recognizing his dedication to agriculture and conservation, including the Purina Leadership Award, the Purina Honor Council recognition, South Carolina Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer of the Year, Rutherford County Conservation Farmer of the Year, the Goodyear Conservation Award, and Spartanburg County Farmer of the Year.

Marshall was a man of deep faith and service. He was a dedicated member and deacon of Arrowwood Baptist Church for many years and worshiped at Lake Bowen Baptist Church. He faithfully served his community as commissioner with the fire department, Gideon, and civic leader, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed.

Above all, Marshall treasured his family. He shared 64 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Betty Jo Webb Cooley, and together they built a legacy centered on faith, hard work, and love.

In addition to his devoted wife, Betty Jo, he is survived by his children, Joe Cooley of Spartanburg, Jackie Cooley Finger of Chesnee, Jill Cooley of Chesnee, and Jewell Rivers of Boiling Springs; his grandchildren, Tyler Finger, Justin Cooley, Taylor Wade, Tori Rivers, Montana Saraceno, Matthew Cooley, Jordan Rivers, Jonathan Slattery, Jackson Rivers, Jeffery Slattery, and Jaycie Slattery; 20 cherished great-grandchildren; and his sister, Diane Stacey of Chesnee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hudson Victor Cooley and Grace Melissa Thompson Cooley, and his sister, Geraldine Hawkins.

Marshall will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, respected farmer, successful businessman, faithful Christian, and humble servant to his community. His legacy of faith, generosity, perseverance, and love for the land will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

A private graveside service will be held at Good Shepherd Memorial Park, Boiling Springs, SC for the family.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23