Boy Scout Honors Late Mayor with New Memorial Bench at Lake Lure Gazebo

LAKE LURE, N.C. — In a poignant ceremony on Saturday, November 15, 2025, community members gathered at the Lake Lure Gazebo to witness a heartfelt act of remembrance and resilience. Cole Pritchett, a Boy Scout and grandson of Lake Lure’s current Mayor Carol Prichett, presented a newly built memorial bench honoring former Mayor Kevin Cooley, whose original dedication bench was destroyed during last year’s Hurricane Helene.

The new bench—funded entirely through Cole’s own fundraising efforts—now stands as a symbol not only of Mayor Cooley’s impact on the town but also of the community’s enduring spirit. Cole presented the bench to Mayor Cooley’s widow, Yvonne Cooley, during a small but touching ceremony overlooking the lake the former mayor loved so dearly.

“Kevin J. Cooley had a beautiful love affair with this town and the gorge,” Yvonne shared. “He was honored to be elected as mayor and he wore that proudly! He gave it all he had. He was humbled by the love that he received in this community and would be even more humbled by this dedication.”

Mayor Cooley, remembered for his generosity, leadership, and unwavering devotion to Lake Lure, left a lasting legacy that continues to shape the town. Longtime friend and community leader Tommy Hartzog reflected on Cooley’s influence, saying,

“Kevin moved into the Hickory Nut Gorge community and brought a strong sense of ‘giving back’! His life’s experiences in unselfish leadership were soon evident to all. He embraced community needs and fulfilled them in a pleasant, cooperative spirit and without exception, produced exceptional results. He is greatly missed!”

For Cole, the project was both personal and purposeful. Through weeks of planning, fundraising, and hands-on work, he hoped to honor a man who meant so much to the town he loves.

“I think it’s important because you know he was a really great man, and he tragically passed away, and it really means a lot for the town of Lake Lure,” Cole said.

The dedication ceremony brought together town leaders, residents, and friends of the Cooley family—many of whom see the new bench as a reminder of Lake Lure’s strength and unity in the face of loss. While the hurricane may have taken the original bench, the community’s determination to rebuild has ensured that Mayor Cooley’s memory continues to have a place of honor by the water.

The new bench at the Lake Lure Gazebo now stands as both a tribute and a testament—celebrating a beloved mayor’s legacy and reflecting the resilience of a town that continues to rise together.

Left to right: Mayor Carol Pritchett, Boy Scout Cole Pritchett, and  Mrs. Yvonne Cooley.