William Alex Cooper

COOPER, WILLIAM ALEX - age 82, of South Knoxville, passed away Monday, May 08, 2006 at UT Hospital following a battle with multiple illnesses. A loving husband, father and grandfather, with many loyal friends, he was a member of Vestal United Methodist Church; the First Families of Tennessee (Stonecifer Line); and the U.S.S. Lovelace Family Association of which he was a co-founder. Bill retired from Swans Bakery (Oak Ridge route) in 1982 with 35 years of service. He was a World War II veteran, drafted on his 18th birthday, serving in the US Navy on the U.S.S. Lovelace DE198 in the Pacific Theater where he earned numerous medals and commendations. Bill was born in Line Fork, Kentucky, May 19, 1924, the fourth child of Oscar and Gertrude Jennings Cooper. Preceded by his parents, precious son, William David (Little Bill), beloved sister, Glendyn Herrell, brother, Robert Oscar Cooper; and nephew, Douglas Manning. Survived by loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Freda Watson Cooper; sons, Philip and Perry Cooper; daughter and son-in-law, Rosemary and Mike Garland; cherished four year old grandson, Brock Cooper Garland; sister, Dorothy Manning; sister and brother-in-law, Eleanor and Carl Dew of Lake City; nieces and nephews, John Herrell, Martha Johnson, Sherry Johnson, David and Becky Dew of Lake City, Carolyn and Courtney Pearre of Nashville, Edward Dew of New York, Lynn Cooper Watts and Robert Cooper of Johnson City, and William Jennings Cooper of Phoenix, Arizona. Special thanks for the prayers, support and care from family, friends, neighbors and hospital staff. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM on Thursday in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home, Chapman Highway, with funeral service to follow at 8 PM, Rev. Wendell Smith officiating. Family and friends will meet at Woodlawn Cemetery on Friday for 11 AM graveside services. Memorials may be made to Vestal United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 9505, Knoxville, Tennessee 37940.