He was born July 28, 1939 in Phenix City, AL. to the late Addie Lee and Lizzie Turpin Cooper. He was the beloved husband of the late Janie Mae Cooper. He was a member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church for over 40 years where he served as a Deacon, with the Ushers Ministry, Missionary Ministry, Finance Committee, with the Male Chorus, Benevolent Ministry, and the Golden Sowers. He retired from Columbus Water Works after 29 years of service. He was also a member of the Prince Hall Mason-Mt. Pisgah Lodge #53 of Columbus, GA where he served as past Worship Master. Other than his wife, he was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Mary E. Simpson, and one sibling, Neal Cooper.

Survivors include: two daughters, Beverly Ann Kimbrough (William) of Columbus, GA and Deborah J. Riley of Bolton, NC; five grandchildren, ShaRhonda M. Kimbrough of Alpharetta, GA, Marcus A. Wilder Riley of Columbus, GA, Christopher W. Kimbrough, Esq. of Valparaiso, IN, Alexis Nicole Riley-Royal of Riverview, FL and Ashleigh D. Riley of Atlanta, Georgia; two great grandchildren, Genesis Riley and Malachi Bryce Riley; a devoted companion, Mrs. Fannie Widemon of Columbus, GA; one brother, Frank Cooper of Columbus, GA; two sisters, Mary Slaughter of Columbus, GA and Lillie Embry of Detroit, MI; three aunts, Mrs. Louise Collins of Columbus, GA, Mrs. Ludie Sanders and Mrs. Georgia Austin of Gary, IN; four sisters-in-law, Mrs. Charlie Mae Thomas, Mrs. Betty Stroy, Mrs. Glory Stroy and Mrs. Cornelia Stroy of Columbus, GA ; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.