Floyd Carter Cooper, Sr., 78, of Orange City, Florida, passed away on March 5, 2021, after a brief battle with COVID. Floyd died with his wife Sue and two of his sons, Floyd and Brent, by his side.
Floyd was born in Orlando, Florida on July 21, 1942, to Mervyn and Malissa Cooper. Floyd was one of seven children; his siblings – Esther, David, John, Shelby, Ruth, and Richard – all survive him. Floyd was in the first graduating class from Evans High School in Orlando, Florida and attended college most recently at Liberty Baptist College.
Floyd met Johnsie Hall Newsome while she attended college in Lakeland, Florida. They married in 1964 and started their large and loving family. They were married for 52 years. Floyd loved spending time with his children and his grandchildren whom he adored. His grandchildren called him “Papa,” and his face would light up at the sound of that name. He made time to be present at the special events or celebrations in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives. No matter the distance, he made the journey.
Floyd never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Often a family member would walk outside a store to be introduced by Floyd to a new friend he had just made. He genuinely loved people and was always looking for ways to invest in others’ lives. He was blessed deeply by the people he met along his journey through life, and they were blessed by him in return.
Following the death of his wife Johnsie, Floyd had the unique opportunity to find love again. He reconnected with a childhood friend, Sue Peterson, and they were subsequently married. Floyd and Sue enjoyed traveling around the country, spending time with family, checking in on grandchildren, and investing in the lives of their friends. They enjoyed a full and rich life together.
Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Johnsie, and his daughter Deborah Kristin Cooper. He is survived by his wife Sue Peterson Cooper; children Melissa Thompson (Tom) of Huntsville, Alabama, Floyd Cooper, Jr. (Cynthia) of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Jonathan Cooper (Jennifer) of Berlin, Maryland, Kelly Cooper of Atlanta, Georgia, Stephen Cooper (Kellie) of San Antonio, Texas, and Brent Cooper (Danielle) of Lawrenceville, Georgia; grandchildren Sarah Cooper, Sam Thompson, Ben Cooper, Jaden Cooper, Madalyn Cooper, Tomie Cooper, Aidan Cooper, Chris Cooper, and Avery Cooper.
Floyd leaves a legacy of kindness, strength, courage, and generosity. He will truly be missed, but his legacy will live on in the lives of the family and friends whom he touched along the way.
