Jack L. Cooper
Augusta, GA – Jack Leonard Cooper, born December 21, 1931 in Augusta, Georgia, entered into rest April 18, 2016, at Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home. He is survived by his wife Ruth N. Cooper of 57 years.
He was a graduate of the Academy of Richmond County and the Junior College of Augusta (now Augusta University). Following his graduation from the University Of South Carolina School Of Law in Columbia in 1954, Mr. Cooper volunteered for the draft and attended Officer’s Candidate School, U.S. Army Ranger School and Jump School. He served two tours in the 82nd Airborne Division as Infantry Platoon leader on Special assignment and as Regimental Courts and Board officer of the 504 infantry Regiment at Ft. Bragg, NC. He practiced law for 39 years in Augusta and was a member of the Georgia and South Carolina Bar Associations.
A member of Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church, Mr. Cooper and his wife were founding members of the Adult Couples and Singles Sunday School Class, and he served as its second president.
Mr. Cooper was active in the Aiken-Augusta Audubon Society and in the early 1990’s headed a committee from that group to prevent Bobby Jones Expressway from coming through Merry Brothers Brick Yard Ponds. Their work resulted in an agreement by the State Highway Department to buy Phinizy Swamp and change it into a wildlife preserve.
Mr. Cooper was an avid birder, an interest that began when he joined the Boy Scouts. He became an Eagle Scout at the age of 13 and was a member of the Order of the Arrow.
He was an active man and spent many hours fishing and birding after retirement. He and his wife enjoyed ballroom dancing, line dancing and traveling. He loved his family and had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Cooper is survived by his sons Randolph Marion (Melissa) Cooper and Stuart Leonard (Laura) Cooper; grandchildren: Philip, Claire and Suzanna Cooper; brothers: F. Jaimie Cooper, Dean W. Cooper, Tommy R. Cooper and Michael W. Cooper. He was predeceased by his parents: Judge and Mrs. L.W. “Bill” Cooper and brothers: Walter L. Cooper and Judge L. Valdi Cooper.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Greg Hatfield officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 until 11:00 a.m. in the Gathering Area of Trinity. Members of the Adult Couples and Singles Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church, 1330 Monte Sano Ave., Augusta, Ga 30904.
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com