CONNELLY SPRINGS: Ronald Arthur Cooper, 59, died Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, at Burke Hospice Care in Valdese. A native of Cleveland County, he was the son of the late Isaiah Harrill Cooper and Geneva Inez Russ Cooper. Ronald had a heart for helping others, in their time of need, including many pets.

PRECEDED: In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles and Wesley Cooper; niece, Karen Hamrick; nephew, Stevie McKnight; and brother-in-law, Stephen McKnight.

SURVIVED: He is survived by his sisters, Pat Hamrick and husband Dennis of Shelby, Joyce McKnight of Shelby, Evelyn Stephens and husband Terry of Connelly Springs, and Barbara Strickland and husband Greg of Hickory; brother, Don Cooper and wife Cynda of Lancaster, SC; sister-in-law, Rhonda Cooper of Shelby; and numerous nieces and nephews.

MEMORIAL SERVICES: A Memorial Service will be held 2p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, at Blessed Way Baptist Church, 254 Falls St., Lawndale, NC. The family will receive friends following the service, in the church.

OFFICIATING: Rev. Tommy Cook will officiate

MEMORIALS: Burke County Humane Society, 417 Kirsey Dr., Morganton, NC 28655 or Blessed Way Baptist Church, PO Box 98, Lawndale, NC 28090

FUNERAL HOME: Arrangements are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby

ONLINE CONDOLENCES: www.claybarnette.com