Audrey Carol McCool

October 28, 1940 - November 17, 2024

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Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers

6025 82nd Street

Lubbock, TX 79424

Saturday 11/23, 2:00 pm

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Audrey Carol McCool, a beloved member of the Lubbock community who touched countless lives with her kindness, mentorship and dedication to local philanthropic entities. Audrey passed away at age 84, leaving behind a legacy of community, service and accomplishment.

Born on October 28, 1940, in Centralia, Illinois to Edward and Opal Huck, Audrey had an early love for learning and helping others. She married the love of her life, Barent McCool, on August 15, 1969, in San Diego, and together they built a wonderful life centered around family, community and service.

In 1979, Audrey enlisted in the US Army Reserves, serving as a Colonel in the Army Medical Specialist Corps, until her retirement in 2000. Audrey also had a remarkable career after earning her doctorate degree at Texas Tech. She started her academic career at the University of Maryland before becoming a founding faculty member at the University of Central Florida’s hospitality management school. She then taught for over twenty years at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) where she held an endowed chair position and established the food and beverage management team. Audrey’s leadership provided students with invaluable real-world experience, including the opportunity to run several hospitality events 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Her achievements at UNLV earned her the title of Professor Emeritus upon her retirement.

After retiring from UNLV, Audrey and Barry returned to Lubbock in 2008, where both held professor and leadership positions at Texas Tech. Audrey’s commitment to her profession earned her membership in prestigious organizations such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and CHRIE.

Beyond her career, Audrey’s became an integral part of the Lubbock community through her charitable endeavors and philanthropic work through the Lubbock Rotary Club, Meals on Wheels, Lubbock Food Bank and the Lubbock Women’s Club. She was also on the board of the Lubbock Symphony and endowed a primary chair in the symphony.

Audrey will be remembered for her warm smile and unwavering dedication to her family, friends and community. She found great joy in gardening, cooking, her seven adopted stray cats and cheering on her grandchildren at their many activities. Her wisdom, guidance and generosity left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Barent; her daughter, Kirstie McCool and husband Dennis Prokopowicz; her son, Shawn McCool and wife Debra, her cherished grandchildren, Nicole Chadwick, Hunter Chadwick, Sean McCool and wife Sherean, Christopher McCool and wife Katy, Cameron McCool, Morghan McCool, and Ashton McCool; nine great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Lani McCool; her brother, Morris Huck and wife Doreen; and nephew Brian Huck. Audrey is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Opal Huck and her son, William “Willie” C. McCool (Navy Captain and Pilot of the Space Shuttle Columbia that perished in 2003).

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Lubbock’s Meals on Wheels in Audrey’s memory at https://lubbockmealsonwheels.org/donate-info/

Audrey’s presence will be greatly missed, but her legacy of kindness, wisdom and love will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers

6025 82nd Street

Lubbock, TX 79424

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Saturday 11/23, 2:00 pm

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Dear Barent and Family, Neill and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Audrey. We both treasure your friendship and the memories of having dinner with the two of you before attending the symphony on several occasions. She was full of spunk and had a contagious zest for living. Our hearts and prayers are with you in the coming days ahead, With sincere sympathy, Neill and Manon Carter

Dr McCool! May you rest in peace!

Mrs. Dr. McCool was truly inspiring and played a pivotal role in the early stages of my Ph.D. Her guidance and support were invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for the impact she had on my academic journey. May her soul rest in peace.

Rest in peace, Dr. McCool. You will be greatly missed.

My deepest condolences to Barry and the McCool family. I met Mrs. Audrey at First United Methodist Church. Barry and Audrey are part of the Rotary Club and we cater to them every week. When I first started that position I thought it was just preparing food and saying hi as Rotarians walked by and served themselves. Well little did I know that in just that small amount of time friendships develop. Mrs. Audrey was such a sweet person and always had interesting things to talk about. Rotary Wednesdays are my favorite days to work. I will truly miss seeing Mrs. Audrey on Wednesdays. My continued prayers for everyone.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I’m deeply saddened to learn of Audrey’s passing. She was, without a doubt, the most committed and tireless Volunteer leader I worked with during my 45 year career. She dedicated herself to professionalism and exceptionally high standards while never losing the human touch of hospitality. We all became better because of Audrey. My heartfelt sympathies go to Barry and all other family members, as well as dear friends who were like family.

I have very fond memories of Audrey, from attending the CHRIE conferences, especially her kindness, friendship, and always willing to help. God bless her and may God send comfort to her family.

I was deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Audrey McCool's passing. She was deeply passionate about hospitality education. As a newly minted PhD, she welcomed me at UNLV. She, Barry, and I shared many military stories and always connected around the ARMY v Navy game. She had a deep commitment to her country, her family, and her profession. She embodied the last verse of the USMA alma mater: And when our work is done; our course on Earth is run, may it be said "WELL DONE"; be thou at peace. I'm honored to have known Dr. Audrey McCool.

It is sad to learn that a star has fallen. You groomed many and shaped the academic careers of many more with your insight. May your soul be blessed and rest in peace. The academic community in Ghana share in the painful loss. +233(0)266660085

I'm so sorry for your loss. Audrey was a kind and giving person. Her dedication to her family, the military, education, Meals on Wheels, and the Rotary were only a few examples of the lives and communities she has touched. She will be greatly missed.

What a fine wonderful woman. I first met her at a holiday dinner at the Women’s Club. They had just moved back to Lubbock. Her charming smile and sense of humor particularly when it involved a bridge game or Barent was refreshing. She will be remembered and missed by all. Jeri Saffle

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Audrey's passing. I had just seen her the Friday before and we visited about our Thanksgiving plans. She was looking forward to a feast at the Overton buffet where we often ran into each other over the years. I first met her many years ago when she first volunteered at Lubbock Meals on Wheels. I have so many fond memories of her from being at conferences with her, running through an airport together, sampling MRE's and other food items, and many good visits in between. She was so intelligent and practical but also had a great sense of humor which I always appreciated. She was a remarkable woman and I will miss her. All of us at Lubbock Meals on Wheels wish her beloved family and friends peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Grandmas legacy will live on forever through the stories we’ll share of her amazing spirit. Don’t worry grandma, we’ll make sure your cats are taken care of! Rest easy, thank you for being the best grandma and great grandma there could ever possibly be.
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Barry and McCool family, Dr. McCool (or Mrs. Dr. McCool as I addressed her when sending mail) I know that will be sorely missed. I am so sad for your loss and for all who know and loved her. She made an indelible impression on the profession of dietetics and on me as an undergraduate student at Texas Tech. It was a gift to know both “Drs.” McCool. You are in my prayers as you miss her in your lives.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.