Robert Eugene Cooper, Sr.

Robert E. Cooper, Sr. was born September 18, 1920, in Hahira, Georgia. He graduated from Hahira High School and briefly attended Savannah State College before being drafted into the United States Army at the beginning of World War II. He served both stateside and in the European Theater of Operations. Upon completing his military service, he returned to Hahira and began farm work with his adopted father, Baxter Blakeney. Robert was a charter member of the Lowndes County Improvement Association, which seeks to preserve the heritage of the small farm. Robert was also a deacon of the Newsome Street Church of Christ in Hahira, GA.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by four brothers: Reuben Miley, Prime Miley, Toney Miley and Jimmy Miley and three sisters: Lora Mobley, Lula Godbee and Ruth Tisby.

He is survived by his wife of seventy two years, Rachel Herring Cooper of Hahira, Georgia; his four children: Gloria C. Johnson of Mableton, Georgia, Robert Cooper, Jr. (Cathy) of Springfield, Virginia, Roger Cooper (Vivienne) of San Diego, California and Deborah C. Clay of Hahira, Georgia; one brother: O.B. Miley (Linda) of Malone, Florida; two sisters: Hattie Thomas of St. Petersburg, Florida and Perlie Smith of Jacksonville, Florida; three grandchildren: Maurice E. Cooper of Juneau, Alaska, John H. Clay II (Beverly) and Pearl L. Clay both of Altadena, California; three great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two great-great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and his Newsome Street Church of Christ family.

The Celebration of Life for the late Mr. Robert E. Cooper, Sr. will be Saturday, February 24, 2018, 11:00 A.M., from the sanctuary of the East Park Church of Christ,106 East Park Street, Hahira, GA.

Bro. Charlie Eugene Godfrey will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Riverview Memorial Gardens, Valdosta.

Public viewing will be Friday, February 23rd, 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.