Cherryville - Mr. Walter Cooper, a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025, at the age of 78. He was born on November 1, 1946 in Mitchell County, NC. At the age of 9, his family moved to Cherryville, NC where he became a lifelong resident of the North Brook community.
Walter was a proud graduate of the Class of 1965 at West Lincoln High School. Afterwards he attended Catawba Valley Technical Institute and earned an Associate Degree in Agricultural Business Technology. Shortly after graduation he was drafted into the Army where he served during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he attended Cleveland Technical College. There he earned three Associate Degrees, one in Police Science, one in Environmental Science and one in General Education. He did this in just two years, all while working full time at GE in Hickory where he dedicated over 30 years to his career before retiring.
Walter is survived by his beloved wife, Peggie Jane Laws Cooper, with whom he shared over 56 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they raised two children: Jeffrey Thomas and Mendie Lynn, who carry forward his legacy of commitment and integrity. He was a loving grandfather to his two grandsons, J.T. & Jacob and great-grandson, Cullen, who brought him immense joy and pride.
He had a passion for carpentry and woodworking, often spending weekends and evenings in his workshop crafting beautiful items for family and friends. Walter was an old soul and he enjoyed bluegrass and country music from long ago. He was always ready for people to gather and listen to them play and sing old tunes. His interest in the historical period of the late 1800's and early 1900's inspired him to design and build a magnificent historical village he named "Cooper Cove." The village consists of several authentic log cabin structures that Walter repurposed from all around NC and brought back to his property to create his vision of the past. The nostalgic village includes a fully livable log home, a barn, two outhouses, a general store, an outdoor cooking arbor and even a chapel where many couples have been married over the last few decades. Walter loved his yearly Apple Butter Day, where the entire community would gather at Cooper Cove to enjoy a day of live music, food of every kind, crafts and of course Walter's famous Apple Butter that he prepared over an open fire in a huge copper kettle. Walter loved entertaining visitors and always had a joke or two. One of the most memorable events at Cooper Cove was the day that fourteen souls, including Walter, were baptized in the creek that flows through the property. Walter's kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched throughout his life.
The family will receive friends from 6:00PM to 8:00PM on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home and at other times the family will be at the home.
A service to celebrate Walter's life will be held at 2:00PM on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Cooper Cove with Pastor Stan Nantz officiating.
Burial will follow the service at Bess Chapel Methodist Church with military honors provided by Cherryville American Legion Post 100 Honor Guard.
Rest in peace, Walter. Your light will continue to shine in the hearts of those who knew and loved you.
Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home & Cremation Service is serving the Cooper family.