Reverend Dr. Gary Cooper

February 3, 1934 - November 10, 2012

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The Reverend Dr. Gary Cooper, Sr., "Doc", 78, died Saturday, November 10, 2012. Born in Greenville County, he was a son of the late Walter Weldon and Sadie Keith Cooper. He was a graduate of Luther Rice Seminary where he received a Doctorate of Sacred Theology and Ministers Degree and was a 1953 graduate of Parker High School. When Dr. Cooper was an employee of Dupont, Savannah River Plant in 1960, he was called into the ministry and would pastor the following churches: Good Hope Baptist Church in Aiken, SC, Julian Ave./Tanglewood Baptist Church, Corinth First Baptist Church, Maple Heights Baptist Church, and Oak Crest Baptist Church. After a brief time of retirement, Dr. Cooper served as interim pastor of Arial Baptist Church and Bethel Baptist Church and later joined the staff of New Life Baptist Church as Associate Pastor where he helped train many people who were entering the ministry. He was most recently serving as pastor of Berea Heights Baptist Church. Dr. Cooper was also a Master Mason and former chaplain of Judson Lodge #319, a member of the Scottish Rite Order, and served the Shrine Clown unit. Additionally, he was an avid outdoorsman and successful in his pastorates with the building of many churches and additions to church building programs. He left behind a legacy of well-loved friends and family members. During his ministry Dr. Cooper led thousands to the Lord Jesus Christ. He will be greatly missed by anyone who met him! His patriotic feelings for his country were well known throughout the Upstate. Dr. Cooper was first married to the late Joan Chapman Cooper for 43 years prior to her death in 1996 and then he was married to the late Carolyn M. Gravley Cooper prior to her death. Surviving are two sons, Gary Cooper, Jr. of Greenville, David Glenn Cooper, of Greenville; a sister, Peggy Haynes, of Pickens; four grandchildren, Jenny C. Burton and husband Shawn, Joni Childs and husband Michael, and Jessie and Kenneth Despirito; and three great-grandchildren, Joanna and Hunter Burton and Sadie Grace Childs. Visitation will be held Monday, November 12, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Northwest. The Funeral service will be on Tuesday, November 13, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. in the Northwest Chapel. Burial will follow in Graceland West Cemetery. The family will be at the home of his granddaughter, Jenny, 404 Sonora Drive, Easley, SC 29640.

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Dear Cooper family, I was a friend and classmate of Gary an Joan at Parker. Your Dad was a fine young man and well liked by all. Our hearts are saddened by his death and our prayers are with you. Ruth Miller Fleenor and class of 1952ve

My thoughts and prayers are with the family, Preacher Cooper had a great life.

To all of our Family, we send our thoughts and prayers. We ask for God to give us all peace and comfort during this time and knowing that Gary was an extraordinary person in this life, he will be missed by all of us.

Gary and family, my heart felt sympathy to you in the passing of Rev. Cooper. He will be greatly missed here but we know he is rejoicing with his Saviour in his heavenly home. May God give you strength. Judy

Dr. Cooper was a friend as well as our pastor at Corinth Baptist Church in Easley. He truly lived what he preached and brought many to the Lord. America needs more men of the caliber of Gary Cooper, instead of a church on every corner pacifying people ,

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

You will always be remebered, and I know you and Dad are fishing the sparkling river.

I know the angels are having a good ole Bapticostal time with Pop! There is a sad place in my heart that will miss him, always. But, I do know, he is praising and singing and shouting now and in 10,000 years just get wound up good! Peace and blessings to

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.