Obituary of Jerry Laverne Cooper

Funeral services for Jerry L. Cooper, 76, of Columbia, will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at the chapel of Thompson Funeral Home of West Columbia, 200 State Street, West Columbia. Mr. Chad Brewer will officiate.  It was Jerry’s wish that this gathering of friends and family in his honor be in casual dress. Burial, with US Air Force honors, will follow the service in Celestial Memorial Gardens, 3111 Delree Street, West Columbia. The family will greet friends from 12:00 – 1:00 PM, Tuesday, prior to the service at Thompson Funeral Home of West Columbia.

Jerry Cooper passed away Saturday, May 12, 2018. Born in Lancaster, he was a son of the late Robert A. Cooper, Sr., and Leila Evans Cooper. Jerry retired from AT&T/BellSouth after 40 years of service. He served his country proudly in the US Air Force during the Vietnam era as an Airman 2^nd Class. His commendations and medals included Good Conduct and National Defense. Jerry enjoyed hunting, and had a huge love for motorcycles, including racing and motorcross.  He was a loving brother, husband, and uncle who will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Jerry’s funeral procession to Celestial Memorial Gardens will be escorted by the South Carolina Midlands Patriot Guard Riders, in honor of his service to his country.

Jerry is survived by his siblings; brother, Robert A. Cooper, Jr. of Columbia; sister, Jean Wright of Jacksonville, FL; brothers, Carl F. “Mike” Cooper (Vickie) of West Columbia, Keith Cooper (Beth), of Lexington; nephews, Douglas Brewer, Chad Brewer (Melanie),  Robert A. Cooper, III (Michelle), Chris Cooper,  Brian Cooper (Crystal), Todd Cooper (Lacey), Evan Cooper; niece, Anna Cooper; mother-in-law, Jackie Springs; brother-in-law, Tim Springs. Jerry is also survived by his beloved pets, Jackson and Cheyenne. In addition to his parents, Jerry was predeceased by his loving wife, Robin Cooper.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 200 Center Point Circle, Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29210.