Michael Allen Cooper Sr, 67

Michael Allen Cooper January 6, 1957- May 11, 2024

Michael Allen Cooper Sr. was born in West Virginia and grew up In Northeastern Ohio. With sand in his shoes, he just couldn’t sit still. He lived in multiple states as an adult which included Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Florida, and finally spent the last 10 years in Lenoir City, Tennessee.

Mike’s life was filled with a collection of professions that he always excelled at. This included 10 years as a police officer with the Hiram and Garrettsville Police Department, 16 years at MAC Enterprise as a Semi Rig owner operator where he hauled long-distance freight as far as New Mexico, 10 years as a tactical weapons license trainer and gun broker for TD Weaponry in Clermont Florida, 4 years as a Disney tour bus operator, and finally 3 years as a jewelry educator and salesperson for JTV in Knoxville, TN. This was all proven by the multitudes of certificates of education, awards, and letters of recommendations found in his personal belongings. His career life wasn’t only in service to American traditions and culture, but also took him to places he may otherwise not have seen. Every job he had (even the Disney bus operator and JTV professions) showed that Mike chose to work at things that he had an interest in, gave him purpose, that also fit his personality. Mike retired early at the age of 62 due to medical (heart) conditions he struggled with, which started for him at the young age of 37.

An avid outdoorsman, his true love was being in nature. He accomplished this by owning many items that enabled him to go farther than just experiencing it from the sidelines. Mike owned more than 5 boats in his lifetime, with his favorite named Lickity Split. Camping is fun but Mike did it in style on his Gold Wing fully equipped with a camper’s tow piece to haul all his gear. ATV mountain riding also got thrown into his mix.  Always surrounded by friends and family who enjoyed the same things as he did, he was rarely alone in his adventures and taught whoever was with him what he knew along the way. He owned many types of firearms during his lifetime and sold just as many.

Michael was married twice then engaged one time after but spent the last 30 years as an unmarried man. He was old school when it came to the Lord and preferred old gospel music and hymns to new-age religion. Elvis’s gospel CD was found in his TN home’s CD player. Mike identified as a Baptist. He talked often about the Bible and God, but mostly about its wisdom and life’s lessons that can bless us or curse us (our own choice). He would never say that he was a saint. Ultimately, he was a sentimental guy who despite having a broken heart in more than one way, kept seeking peace in his own life.

Micheal passed peacefully in his TN mountain home where he always said he had found his peace. Some may say 67 was too young to die, but few who live longer experience the abundance of life that Michael Cooper lived. His legacy was humble, but his life was full, and although he will be missed dearly, he is home now with all who left before him. AMEN.

Michael survived his mother and father Herbert and Peggy Cooper, his brother Bruce (Beverly) Cooper, his sisters Theresa and Pamela Cooper, his son Steven (Natalie) Cooper, and his cherished grandparents Don and Ruby (Dane) Portis. He is survived by his 2 brothers Danny and Robert Niel Cooper, his daughters Sharon (Brian) Fleck, and Michelle (David) Smith, and son Michael (Cecily) Cooper Jr. He has 11 grandchildren including the four firstborn Ashley (Anthony) Handley, Kyle Cooper, Cooper Smith, and Heaven Cooper. He currently has 2 great-grandchildren with the first-born named James.

“It is what it is”, MAC.

Matthew 11 25-30

Rest for the weary- Matthew writing Jesus’s words

25. At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little 

children; 26 yes Father, for such was your gracious will.  27 All things have 

been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

In lieu of flowers please a donation can be made to his daughter Sharon Flek to aid in the expenses of his funeral and burial.