James Ray Cooper

James Ray Cooper, 74, born July 2, 1951, died peacefully at his home with his wife lovingly by his side on September 21, 2025, after a yearlong battle with colon cancer. Born to James (Earl) Cooper and Edrie Pauline (Pat) Cooper, Ray grew up on the family farm in Winters, Texas. He attended Winters School, where he loved playing football and spending time with his many friends. He graduated from Winters High School in 1971 and attended Texas State Technical College, where he earned a degree in diesel mechanics. Ray spent two years in the jungles of Peru, where the only way in and out was by helicopter. His work in the oil field included setting up and taking down rigs and maintaining diesel engines. Ray worked very hard for more than 30 years for Pool Well Service. In 1979, he met Sherry Tate. They married and had two children, of whom he was very proud. "Pappy" to two beautiful grandchildren, who were his joy and light in life, and "Uncle Ray" to nieces he loved dearly. He enjoyed football, politics, and regarded Trump as a hero. Ray was well known for his antics and keen sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Pat Cooper, and his brother Larry Cooper. He is survived by his wife, Sherry Cooper; daughter, Amanda and her husband Tyrel; son, James Tate (JT) and his wife Leah; grandchildren, Michael and Lorelai; his sister, Brenda Chambliss and her husband Richard; nieces, Doddie and Gina; brother, Ronnie Bennett; and niece, Gayle Morton, as well as a host of extended family and cherished friends. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Winters Funeral Home, 120 State Street, Winters, Texas. There will be a time of sharing. If you do not want to speak in front of everyone, you may write your memories down and someone will be happy to read them for you. If you do not wish for your message to be shared publicly, please bring it for the family only. Flowers for the memorial can be sent through Bloomin' Flowers in Winters, Texas. Donations may be made in his name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at cff.org or to Gospel Connect International at gospelconnect.net.