Lamar Ray Cooper

Lamar Ray Cooper, 81, of Warrior Alabama passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025. He was
born on November 20, 1944, to Marguerite Holley Cooper and Angus Milton Cooper in Warrior,
Alabama.
Ray graduated from Warrior high school and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy, then
continued his service with the Air Force Reserves. After receiving an honorable discharge, he
transitioned to civilian life working at Stockham Valve & Fittings and later on as supervisor of
maintenance for the Jefferson County Courthouse.
He is survived by his former wife, Jeanette Cooper; his daughter, Cyndi Ortega (Sam Ortega) and Kris
Behrend; his cherished grandchildren Sierra Ortega and Solomon Ortega, children of Cyndi and Sam,
and Tyde Behrend and Dax Behrend, children of Kris and Rudy; his siblings Sara Ferguson (Irby
Ferguson) and Holley Cooper. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Angus and
Marguerite and his sister Dorothy Bird.
He dedicated his life to helping others, was mechanically talented, and enjoyed traveling.
Ray would often say, "I know a little bit about a lot of things but not much of anything". Contrary to
saying this he was a wealth of information when it came to building and repairing. He not only built
two homes in Alabama, but also regularly drove to Florida to help Kris build her family home; passing
on immeasurable skills and knowledge, (most importantly: "measure twice, cut once")
Ray's love for travel started early in his life. As a youth he was known to hitchhike to visit relatives in
other states. As he got older he shared his love of travel with his family by taking them on road trips
spanning all across the country. After retirement he took advantage of his time by adventuring in his
camper - even traversing all the way to Alaska (and all the places in between). His love for family and
travel came together when he was able to drive his mom to the west coast so she could visit places
she'd talked about one day experiencing, filling her heart as well as his with wonderful memories.
Ray was known to be the first one to lend a hand when family and friends were in need. He was a jack
of many trades and willing to share his knowledge without hesitation. Those who listened to him found
comfort in his southern drawl and tales of his life.
Ray will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the opportunity to meet him.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, December 10th at Messmer Goodwin Funeral Home
in Warrior, Alabama. The family will receive friends and condolences beginning at 1:00 PM, with the
memorial service to follow at 2:00 PM.