W.J. "Jack" Cooper, Jr.

WILLIE JACKSON COOPER, JR.

December 13, 1928 – July 27, 2018

LOUISBURG – Willie Jackson Cooper, Jr., 89, of Louisburg, passed away on July 27, 2018.

          Jack was born on December 13, 1928 in Louisburg, NC, the son of Willie Jackson Cooper and Mary Spain Cooper. He graduated from Mills High School in 1945, and at the age of 19, he graduated from Wake Forest College in Wake Forrest with a B.S. degree in Business Administration. After graduation, he worked in his brother’s insurance agency and as a commodity broker for Marxx and Company of New York. Then, he was drafted into the Army for two years. After returning, he again worked in Clayton in his brother’s insurance agency and opened a satellite office in Louisburg in 1952. By 1968, Jack purchased his brother’s interest in the Cooper Insurance Agency, and has operated both offices since then.

          In 1961, Jack married the love of his life, Gwendolyn (Gwen) Mae Byrd from Turkey, NC; they were happily married for 53 years.

          Jack was a member of the Louisburg Baptist Church, and served in many capacities including being the first president of the Louisburg Baptist Brotherhood. Jack was involved in numerous civic activities, serving as Boy Scout Troop Leader, a member of the Louisburg Town Council at age 26, Past President of the Rotary Club, and a member of both the Masonic Lodge and the Franklin County Shriners Club for over 60 years. Also, he was active with the Jaycees, Franklin County Home Builders, Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina and served as a local Director on the First Citizens Bank Board.

          Jack is survived by his daughter, Haven Cooper Allen (Sonny) and his granddaughter, Mary Cooper Allen, all of Louisburg. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Mary Helen Hamlet (Swayn) and many special nieces and nephews.

          A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Monday, July 30th at 3:00 p.m. at the Louisburg Baptist Church, with Dr. Reggie Rushing leading the service. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. There will be a private interment at Oakwood Cemetery.

          Floral remembrances will be welcomed. Memorials may be made to the Louisburg Baptist Church, Building Fund, P.O. Box 730, Louisburg, NC 27549.   

          Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.

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