It is with regret we announce the passing of Robert Gerald Cooper (Jerry), age 77, of Fayetteville, TN.
Jerry was born on August 3, 1946, in Jefferson County, TX to the late Charles Franklin Cooper and Ada Belle Cooper. He proudly served his country in the US Marine Corps. He chose to enlist in the Marine Corps instead of being drafted into the Army for the Vietnam War.
Gerald, as he was known in his childhood, shared a special bond with his Grandma Cooper and his Aunts and Uncles. He would ensure later, that his children spent several summers just as he did on beloved family land in Many, Louisianna.
After living with his young family in Elkridge, Maryland, Jerry relocated to Northern Virginia, where he enjoyed living in a political epicenter. He worked for many years in the construction field during the commercial construction boom in the late 80’s.
Jerry retired in the late 90’s and settled in Beaufort, North Carolina. He loved living in a coastal community and spent some of his happiest days driving a cab in the Morehead City area.
He spent his final years living a mostly solitary life in northern Alabama, before settling one last time in Fayetteville, Tennessee, where he enjoyed getting to know new neighbors.
Survivors include his daughter, Barbara (Chris) Saunders of Lewes, DE; daughter-in-law, Leigh Cooper of Hazel Green, AL; grandchildren, Emma Saunders, Carley Cooper, and McKenzie Cooper; sisters, Wanda (Lowell) Foster of Overland Park, KS, Patricia (Donny) Choate of Oklahoma City, OK, Ann Cooper (Wayne Kozak) of Overland Park, KS, and Betty Magee of Houston, TX; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his son, Gary Brian Cooper; and brother-in-law, John Magee.
A private memorial will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, please donate to or volunteer at your local Veteran Affairs Facility.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Jerry Cooper.
