Hillard E. Cooper, 97, of Coopertown, went to be with his savior on Sept. 14, 2015.
He was a longtime member of Peytona Church of Christ. He was a World War II veteran and POW. He was a retired coal miner and a member of Local Union No. 1353. After retiring from the coal mines he worked in the construction industry, where he helped to build many things, including the cooling towers at the John Amos Plant. He retired in 1972 and spent the rest of his life enjoying his family. Hillard loved the Lord with his whole heart and always started the day reading the Bible. He was a kind, copassionate, generous and loving father and grandfather. His children and grandchildren were a great source of pride and his passing has left a hole that can never be filled. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Nell Cooper; father, Howard Cooper; mother, Clara Richard Cooper; sisters, Blanche O'Dell, Sylvia Moorhead and Irene Todd; brothers, Orville Cooper, Lonnie Cooper, Reed Cooper, Summers Cooper, Flem Cooper and Sydney Cooper; and great-grandson, Adam B. Cooper.
He is survived by is children, Reginald and Brenda Cooper of Coopertown, Howard and Sharon Cooper of Pace, Fla., Donna and Keith Briggs of East Bank and Joe and Lesley Cooper of Coopertown; brother, Bobby Gene and Mildred Cooper of Elkview; grandchildren, Matthew and Victoria Cooper of Ashford, Michael McNeely of Charleston, Scott McNeely and wife, Megan, of St. Albans, Danielle and Jason Hawkins of Orgas, Lindsey McArthor of Pace, Fla., Amanda Briggs of East Bank and Katrina Cooper of Coopertown; six great-grandchildren; his faithful dog, Fi Fi; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and church family.
The children of Hillard Cooper want to say a special thanks to Roger Halstead and family for always looking after their Uncle Hillard, and to Robert Ring for transporting him to church every Sunday. Also, his caegivers at Pro Careers, Patsy, Danielle, Priscilla and Kurie.
Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at Peytona Church of Christ, Peytona, with Minister Charles McKinney officiating. Interment will be in Pineview Cemetery, Orgas, with military graveside rites by Madison VFW Post No. 5578, Madison.
Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church.
Armstrong Funeral Home, Whitesville, is serving the family.