Billy Andrew Cooper

Billy Andrew Cooper, 67, of Hopewell Rd., Morganton, died Saturday, February 24, 2007, at his residence. He was born on September 29, 1939 in Spartanburg Co., SC and was a son of Olivia Greene Cooper of Woodruff, SC and the late Manning Andrew Cooper. In addition to his father he was preceded in death by a son, Michael Cooper. Billy retired from Guilford Mills in Greensboro in 1999 and was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church.

Billy was a humble man, a patient man, and a God fearing man. He fought many health battles in his 67 years, never complaining, and always with a kind and loving smile. The past two years he has suffered with pancreatic cancer and again fought a courageous battle. His earthly battles are over, and he is in his eternal home with no more pain or suffering sitting at the feet of Jesus.

Billy loved his Lord, his church, his family, and the many friends who have been such a great support to him for a number of years. He enjoyed spending time with his two granddaughters, and he enjoyed sports especially baseball and the Carolina Tar Heels. Billy lived his life to the fullest, and he will be greatly missed.

Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth "Lib" Holcombe Cooper, of the home; a son, Tim Cooper, of Morganton; a daughter and her husband, Tammy and Pete Roberts, of Lumberton, NC; sisters, Dora Cooper Gaston and husband, Dean, of Greer, SC and Susan Cooper Barry and husband, Johnny, of Simpsonville, SC; grandchildren, Desirae Cooper and Olivia Roberts; special daughter-in-law, Crystal Smith-Cooper; a number of nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

A celebration of Billy’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2007, at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Dewey Thomas and Rev. Burl Sain officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:30 until 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at the church. At other times the family will be at the home. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 1159, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Blue Ridge Healthcare, Outpatient Medical Oncology Dept., ATTN: Jan Hollar, 720 Malcolm Blvd., Valdese, NC 28990. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.