Claude Miller Cooper, Jr.

Claude Miller Cooper, Jr. of Bedford, Texas, died Friday, August 20, 2021 at his home after a long period of declining health. 

Mr. Cooper was born October 18, 1940, in Selma, Alabama, the third child of Ruth and Claude Cooper.  He is survived by his son James Franklin Cooper and wife Caren of Bedford, Texas; his daughter Rachel Cooper Stewart and husband Clay of Kalamazoo, Michigan; six grandchildren, Katie Cooper Brown (Mark), Sam Cooper (Cynthia), Ruth Cooper (fiancée Jeff Bales), Orion Godinez, Claudia Godinez Williams (Anthony) and Addison Godinez (Jamie); six great grandchildren; sisters Virginia Cooper Downes and Sue Cooper Huffman; and four nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson Paul Michael Cooper and his brother-in-law W. George Huffman.

He graduated from AG Parrish High School in Selma in 1959 and attended the University of Alabama, where he played the trombone in the Million Dollar Band.  After graduating from Auburn University, Mr. Cooper joined the United States Navy, where he served for over two decades.  With his passion for music, Mr. Cooper enjoyed singing in church choirs and other singing groups throughout his adult life.  He also loved sports of all kinds, with his favorite team being, of course, The Crimson Tide.  A devoted father, grandfather and brother, with a playful, fun-loving spirit, he will be remembered by friends and family as one of the kindest and most gentle people they’ve ever known, who could connect with anyone.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at 10am at Forest Ridge Funeral Home Memorial Park Chapel in North Richland Hills, Texas, and on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at New Live Oak Cemetery in Selma, Alabama.  Memorials may be made to Loving Hope Hospice, 350 Westpark Way, Unit 220, Euless, TX 76040, or to a charity of one’s choice.  Lawrence Brown Funeral Home is serving the family.  

The service on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 will be live streamed from the Forest Ridge Funeral Home Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/207691985974899/