As a courtesy to the Cooper family Taylor funeral home of Gibson announces the death and funeral services of Mr. James Teddy Cooper “Teddy,” age 76, of Mitchell Georgia who passed away on Tuesday morning, September 13th, 2022, at the Charlie Norwood Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, with his family by his side.

Born in Glascock County, he was the son of the late James Carl “J.C.” Cooper and the late Mary Catherine Johnson Marsh, both of Glascock County. His parental grandparents were the late James Carl Cooper and the late Minnie Copeland, both of Glascock County. His maternal parents were the late Martha Matilda “Matt” Johnson and the late Albert L. Johnson, both of Glascock County. Teddy was a lifelong resident of Glascock County, of Mitchell Georgia.

He was an army veteran of the Vietnam War, where he served his county proudly. Teddy worked on the communication officer on the front lines. He served as a field wireman and lineman. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, and 1 O/S Bar and Expert (M-14).

 Teddy returned home from the war and started his own business, Cooper’s Plumbing & Carpentry, where he served the families of Glascock County and the surrounding counties for over 40 years. He was a carpenter, plumber, and electrician by trade. He was very educated and experienced in his field. He was a natural carpenter, just like his grandfather, Carl Cooper. He was an “all around handyman!” He could build or fix anything! His work was one of his greatest passions. He loved the art of building & repairing, as well as that of serving others through his trade. He continued to work late into life, until his health inhibited him from continuing.

Teddy was a Christian by faith. He attended the Emanuel Holiness Church in Gibson, GA. He loved to serve! He was well known throughout his community for his outgoing personality, funny wit, and his love for making others laugh. He was always full of jokes, and on occasion, he told a “good one!” He loved people and engaging with them, and he also never met a stranger. He loved his country, his family, his community, and his work! Teddy often joked about driving his last nail when he was 80 years old, but God had a different plan for him. 

Survivors include his wife Ollie M. Johnson Cooper, of Mitchell, GA; daughter Sherry C. Sturgis of Statesboro, GA; son James Teddy “Ted” Cooper and his wife Shonda Cooper; brother Ricky Cooper and wife June Cooper of Gibson, GA; grandson Caleb James Cooper of Sandersville, GA; granddaughter Hannah Elizabeth Cooper of Beech Island, SC; and grandson George B “George B” Sturgis of Statesboro, GA.

A visitation will be Friday, September 16, 2022, at 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the Mitchell United Methodist Church, prior to the funeral service. The funeral service, with full military honors, will be Friday morning at 11:30 am at the Mitchell City Cemetery in Mitchell, GA. The graveside service will be conducted by the Reverend Mary Griswold.

Pallbearers: Greg Johnson, Thomas Poole, Richard Cooper, Jimmy Holton, Scotty Usry, Michael Costello.

Thompson Strickland Waters funeral home 107 Singleton Ave Sylvania, 912-564-2331 is in charge of arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Teddy Cooper, please visit our floral store.