Obituary of Jerry A. Cooper

Jerry A. Cooper passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023 after an 8-year battle with Alzheimer's Disease. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at First Baptist Church, 205 E Main Street, Gallatin, TN. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, service to begin at 1:00. Burial will be at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, at a later date.   Flowers are appreciated or in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hendersonville FFA Alumni for the Cooper Starnes Scholarship Fund c/o Jill Shrum, 3383 Patton Branch Road, Goodlettsville, TN  37072.

Jerry was born to Ruthella and John K. Cooper, Sr on November 13, 1949 in Fountain Head, TN. Jerry was an Eagle Scout, active in 4H and FFA. He graduated from Belmont College and received his graduate degree from TSU. He married his wife, Judy, in 1971. He taught Vocational Agriculture at Hendersonville High School from 1974-2003. Jerry always had a servant’s heart both vocationally and in community service. He felt every student had a talent, and he encouraged and guided them to discover it. Jerry was a United States Marine. He received a Purple Heart for wounds received during the Vietnam War. He was an active Sunday School teacher, deacon, and VBS helper at FBCG. His love for children and the wonder he saw in them were a testament to his faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Tim Cooper. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy, son, Clint Cooper (Amy), daughter, Kellie Smith (Seneca) and granddaughters, Kaelyn and Addie Cooper and Harper Jane Smith. His brothers, John (Gloria) and Carl (Sue), his sister, Virginia Stokes (Tom), and sister-in-law, Nancy Cooper, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.  Online condolences may be submitted at familyheritagefh.com.