Gary Cooper passed away on Friday March 5, 2021 at Huntsville Hospital from complications of COVID-19 after a long and valiantly fought battle.
Gary was born and raised in New Hope, AL. and graduated from New Hope High School in 1959. In 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Shirley. The following year they had their first of three children and only son, Greg. They went on to have a daughter, Lisa in 1962 and another daughter, Lorie in 1970. He would later be blessed to become “Paw Paw” to 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
He was a highly skilled carpenter and construction worker for years and later went on to become a construction superintendent who oversaw the construction and development of several commercial office complexes and retail spaces in Huntsville, AL.
Gary was also an avid and talented fisherman who loved spending time in the great outdoors, fishing and hunting various forms of wildlife but lived for his time spent fishing for anything that would bite. He taught his children and grandchildren how to fish and spent many hours with them doing just that. He also spent many a day fishing with his wife as well as his brothers. He truly treasured his time spent fishing or camping on Guntersville lake with friends and family.
Gary was a loving brother, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who will be missed more than words can ever say but his wisdom, life lessons and stories will live on in each and every one who was lucky enough to have had him in their lives.
He was preceded in death by wife, Brenda Shirley Cooper; mother, Jimmie Adella Cooper; father, Richmond Vuren Cooper; brothers, Jimmy Earl Cooper, Lurlyn Cooper (Gladys), Billy Cooper; and sister-in-law, Mary Cooper.
Surviving are son, Greg Cooper; daughters, Lisa Cooper (Steve), and Lorie Cooper Gezing (Skeeter); grandchildren, Cory Wales, Alora Ingram (Matt), Dalton Pockrus, Ayden Gezing and Isaiah Davis; great grandchildren, Aubrey Ingram, Bentley Ingram, Mavrick Ingram, Parker Wales and Austin Rae Wales; brothers, Leonard Cooper, and Neil Cooper (Dollie); sisters-in-laws, Johnnie Cooper, Ronna Burton (Richard); brother-in-laws, Lowell Shirley (Linda); and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at New Hope Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow at Hayden Cemetery at 2:00 PM with Bro.Tom Reynolds officiating.
