William "Bill" Cooper, Jr.

William “Bill” Cooper, Jr. Fairview - William “Bill” Cooper, Jr. ,77, passed away Sunday, August 13, 2017, at the North Carolina State Veteran’s Home in Black Mountain. A native of Daytona Beach, FL, Bill was a son of the late William C. Cooper, Sr. and Lila Creel Cooper. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Doris Cooper, who died in 2015. A United States Navy Veteran, Bill loved to sing and spend time outdoors and he deeply loved the Lord, his family and friends. After serving his country in the Navy, he met the love of his life, Doris Bruckhart. Together they shared a life of adventure, devotion and family. In addition to the yearly two-week family trip, Bill could be seen on the famous Mine Hole Gap Cloggers bus, and at AC Reynolds supporting his children in their sporting events. After retiring from the VA Medical Center, Bill was very active in the community. Retired but not tired, Bill could be found reading to elementary students at Fairview elementary school, volunteering at the Billy Graham Training Center, or teaching children at the church. No one left Bill a stranger and in everyone Bill found a friend. Bill always had a song in his heart and would sing exuberantly anywhere and anytime. Today, take time to do something special for someone else. Bill would be grateful. Bill is survived by one daughter, Renee E. Cooper (Perry) of Asheville; one son, William J. “Billy” Cooper (Angela) of Fairview; one brother, Alan Cooper of Jacksonville, FL as well as five grandchildren, Chad, Crystal, Caroline, Riley, Matthew and Olivia. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. Burial will follow at Cane Creek Cemetery in Fairview. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 1-2:00 PM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, Bill’s family graciously asks that you consider a memorial contribution to Fairview Baptist Church, 32 Church Road, Fairview, NC 28730.