Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Billy Cooper Obituary
Virginia Beach - Billy T. Cooper, 80, passed away on Friday, March 15, 2013, in Cape Coral, FL.
Born in Shelbyville, TN, he was a former Band Director at Cox High School & Kempsville High School. He retired from the Virginia Beach Public Schools after 25 years of service. He was a member of Reel Anglers Fishing Club of Cape Coral and Tidewater Anglers Fishing Club. He was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman.
Billy is survived by his wife of 58 years, Phyllis Cooper; daughter, Karen C. Ebmeier, husband David; two grandchildren, Sarah Ebmeier and Rachel Ebmeier.
The family will receive friends at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel, on Friday, March 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. Services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia Society. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Billy Cooper
Ed "Butch" Baum
March 28, 2013
Billy was always a gentleman and I never heard anyone say that they didn't like him. He loved the water - boating and fishing. he will be missed by many.
Carole Carbone (Koontz)
March 23, 2013
My sympathy and prayers for your family. I have many great memories of the time spent in Mr. Cooper's band classes at Cox. God bless all of you.
March 23, 2013
I didn't see this earlier. Blessings on family and friends of Mr. Cooper. I attended COX in '71 and knew Mr. Cooper. What a nice man he was.
Kathryn Henderson
March 22, 2013
To a life well lived!
Mr. Cooper had a monumental impact on generations of students by sharing, teaching and mentoring his love of music, and te excitement of competition.
I was proud to be a Kempsville Chief and cherish the three years spent uner his direction. I like many others felt that this time was the highlight of school that has had an impact throughout life.
Billy T. Cooper was one of the greats.
Kempsville Marching Band
Class of 1981
Kathryn Caskey Henderson
March 22, 2013
My deepest condolences to the family. Many of the happiest and most fulfilling moments in my life were spent in Mr. Cooper's bandroom preparing for winter concerts, Concert Festivals and Solo and Ensemble Festivals. Mr. Cooper sparked a love for classical music within me that still remains. May he rest in peace.
Roger Williams
Cox High School '70
Michael Brubaker
March 22, 2013
Though it is many years ago now, my memories of Billy T. Cooper are still very fresh. He was a terrific bandleader, an enthusiastic musician, and a wonderful storyteller - all the traits of a great teacher. I would not have chosen my path as a professional musician, if not for Mr. Cooper's inspiring love of music. I know he will be greatly missed by his family, but his joy of life carries on in his many students.
Cox High School - Class of 1972
Stacy Romine
March 22, 2013
What energy and passion Mr. Cooper brought to the music department at Kempsville High School … what pride, discipline and enthusiasm he instilled in his students. He was a true life force! He will always be part of my memories. God's blessings on him and his family.
~Class of 1979
Leann Hicks
March 22, 2013
Deepest condolences to the family. Mr. Cooper, you will be missed, not only by me, but by many. I will never forget the great years spent in the, "Coopers-Sooper-Troopers" @ Frank W. Cox HS. I bet that you and my father (ROTC Instructor) are sharing many stories/memories together in heaven. (CHS class of 1975)
Dr. Jeffery Russell
March 21, 2013
I am so very thankful for the influence and love of music that Mr. Billy T. Cooper inspired in me and so many of my friends. He was a fine teacher and not only did he expect the best from all of his students but he gave us a way to get there by making music fun and memorable. May God bless you, Cooper family, and thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Kempsville Chief
March 21, 2013
The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through my instrument
And his song is in my soul
My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man
I'm just a living legacy
To the leader of the band
Kempsville High Class of '81
RIP Bill T you will be missed,
Billy T with Band Aides Mark Booher and Mark Weko
Dee Dee Becker
March 21, 2013
Dee Dee Becker
March 21, 2013
My deepest condolences to the Cooper family. I have the fondest memories of Billy T. Cooper and my days as a KHS Marching Chief. He left such a wonderful impression on me that I've never forgotten all these decades later. His memory is a blessing...
Dee Dee Weinstein Becker
KHS, Class of 1982
Georgie (Connor) June, KHS 1981
March 21, 2013
It was an honor to be a Kempsville Marching Chief under the direction of Billy T. Cooper. Prayers and sincere condolences go to his family.
David Honsinger
March 21, 2013
Condolences to the Cooper family. Mr. Cooper was a devoted teacher, who brought his love of music to all of his students. His example remains with me even now, 30 years on.
Cheryl Sauls Tindell
March 21, 2013
Mr. Cooper was a wonderful teacher, mentor and friend. He touched many lives and am proud to have been a music student of his. My high school band days are some of my fondest memories. I sent prayers and thoughts to the family. He will be missed! (KHS Class of 1979)
Bill BrisBois
March 21, 2013
Phyllis, Karen, David I was sorry to read of Billy's passing. Always a great time when at Band contests with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
March 21, 2013
March 21, 2013
March 21, 2013
Kempsville High 1978
Pete Feeney
March 21, 2013
My condolences and prayers go out his family, friends and the many students he mentored over the years. It is truly a loss for the many lives Billy T has touched over his lifetime. May he "Rest in Peace" and may we take comfort in knowing Billy T. Cooper is up in Heaven working on the best Band ever put together. I think I can hear them warming up know!
Thank you Billy T. Cooper you were a great Teacher.
Pete Feeney,
Kempsville High School
Class of 1978
Mary (Murphy) Amici
March 21, 2013
Sincere condolences to the family. Mr. Cooper was an inspiring leader, teacher, coach, & mentor. We all considered it such a privilege to have learned from him and carry so many fond memories from our KMC days. He will be missed!
Allan Kirk
March 21, 2013
Heartfelt condolences for the loss of a great man, and inspiring educator. He was an exceptional influence in my life and in the lives of countless others.
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
Make a Donation
in Billy Cooper's name
Memorial Events
for Billy Cooper
How to support Billy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Billy Cooper's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
