He was the son of the late Claude W. and Maudie Cooper.

     Cooper was an active member of Zion Baptist Church serving on many committees and previously as a deacon.  He was retired from Carolina Energies.  He enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling and his grandchildren.

 He served in the United States Navy actively from Feb 1967 until Nov 1970

 He served in the reserve unit of the Naval Seabees retiring in 1996 earning the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He earned the following metals:  National Defense Service Metal, Vietnam Service Metal with 2 stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Armed Forces Expeditionary Metal (Korea).

     Cooper is survived by his wife of 39 years, Jane Greene Cooper; his son and daughter in law, Shane and Allyson Cooper.  Two grandchildren:  Landon Cooper and Carsyn Cooper. His brother, Billy Cooper, of Shelby and two sisters, Carol Humphries and husband Joe of Lattimore and Martha Bailey and husband Ralph of Ellenboro.

    Visitation:  The family will receive friends from 6:30 – 8:30pm Monday, July 4, 2011 at Cecil Burton Funeral Home and Crematory in Shelby.

Celebration of Life:  11 am Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at Zion Baptist Church.

 Officiated by:  Rev. Randy Bridges

 Burial:  Private

Officiated by:  Dr. Tim Elmore

Funeral Home:  Cecil Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.

Memorials:  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the window fund  or to the children’s and youth fund of Zion Baptist Church, 525 West Zion, Church Road, Shelby, N.C.  28150            

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com