Albert J. 'Cooney' Counts

Albert J. Cooney Counts, 94, of Salem, passed away on Friday, September 14, 2012. He was born in Salem, VA on December 21, 1917, to the late Clinton Conley and Mollie Smyth Counts. In addition to his parents, Cooney was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Grace Mills Counts; three brothers; and a sister. His work history speaks numbers for his hard work ethic as he retired from the Veterans administration after 20 plus years of service prior to opening up his own grocery store, known as Counts Grocery. After 25 plus years serving the community as a grocer, Cooney decided to convert his business into an antique store following his passion for Antiques. Most will recall the store known as Eddy Street Antiques. He served faithfully in the United States Army during WWII and was honorably decorated for his service during the war. He will also be remembered for his avid yard selling days, but his family will remember him most as a loving father and grandfather who sincerely loved his family. He is survived by his sons, Mike Counts and Chester Pat Counts and his wife Kristeen; sister, Vera Long; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 16, 2012 from 2pm until 4pm and on Monday, September 17, 2012 from 6pm until 8pm in the chapel of John M. Oakey and Son Funeral Home. A funeral service honoring Cooneys life will be held on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at 11am, at John M. Oakey and Son Funeral Home, with Rev. Dan Netting officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, where military funeral honors will be conducted. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either First Christian Church in Salem, or to Salem Church of Christ. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com