Finis E. "Jerry" Cooper

Finis E. Cooper, Jr., 92, died at his home in Long Beach, Mississippi with his family around him, on December 11, 2013. ""Cooper"" as he was affectionately known by all of us who will always love him, stayed strong and battled to the very end.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Emelda Garrett Cooper; his parents, Finis E. Cooper, Sr. and Mildred Sarah Cooper; brothers, James A. Cooper and Leo H. Cooper; his sisters, Eleanor Seymore, Eva Walker and Emelda Thrasher.
""Cooper"" is survived by his daughters, Charmaine Ryle (David), and Nita Gross (Ron), His four grandchildren, Shawn Gross Wimmer (Steve), Brad Cooper Gross, Garrett Ryle and Blair Ryle, & his five great-grandchildren, Zachary Wimmer, Jacob Wimmer, Bailey Gross, Sidney Gross and Reesa Gross, his sister, Isabelle Riley and sister-in-law, Marie Anthony and many nieces and nephews.
""Cooper"" honorably served in the U. S. Navy for 30 years. He served aboard the USS Hornet while under attack during World War II. He achieved the rank of E-9, Master Chief Petty Officer. After 19 years of enlisted service, he accepted an Officer's commission in the Navy and retired as Lieutenant Commander. He served in many roles while on active duty, but was most proud of his time as Flight Deck Officer aboard many naval carriers. After retiring from the Navy, he joined the Harrison County Sheriff's Dept. as a deputy. He became Chief of Patrol. Many people will always remember Major Cooper with the Sheriff's Department.
""Cooper"" was a long time member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Long Beach and served for many years as an usher. He was an avid golfer and loved teaching his sons-in-law the game. He was an exceptional athlete. While serving in the Navy, ""Cooper"" was named to the All Navy Baseball Team as catcher. He coached many youth teams and was always on the sidelines of his grandchildren's games giving them ""his"" advice.
Everyone who knew our ""Cooper"" knew the determination, loyalty and courage he showed us all during his life and in his death. He loved his family, his military service and his happy memories. His belief in ""you can do anything but do it right - Cooper's way"" challenged and taught all of us to try and live his philosophy.
The family would like to thank his long time caregivers for taking exceptional care of him, Janet Ladner and Gentiva Hospice especially Cynthia Geroux and Mia Shiyou. Honorary pallbearers will be K.J. Keller, Billy Mount, Kirby Carlisle, Capt. Tom Ladner, Snowball McKenna, Senior Master Chief Moe Leonard, USN (Ret.)
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Long Beach, MS on Saturday, December 14, 2013. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:00 with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00. Interment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Thomas Catholic Church, 720 East Beach Blvd., Long Beach, MS 39560.
As our ""Cooper"" would say to each and every one of us, with that wonderful smile on his face, as we try to move on with life without him...just ""bow your neck""
An online guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com