Fernon Michael "Mike" Cooper

1951 - 2015

Fermon Michael "Mike" Cooper, age 63, passed from this life to the next on March 9, 2015 at The University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson surrounded by what he loved most – the attention of some beautiful women. He was born on July 19, 1951 in Eupora to Fermon and Tinnie Fields Cooper. He graduated from Mathiston High School in 1969 where he was an outstanding athlete. He played quarterback on the 1969 All-Conference Mathiston High School football team, and he was on the basketball team that played for the 1969 North State Championship. He served as a cook in the Army National Guard from 1970 to 1974. He was a skilled heavy equipment operator in the logging industry. Mike was of Baptist faith, and enjoyed sports, music, and spending time with grandchildren.
Survivors include two daughters, Karen Cooper Christensen (Cody) of Clarkson, and Mitzi Cooper Ward of Eupora; a son, Shawn Michael Cooper (Anna) of Mantee; former wife, Janet Russell Cooper of Houston; and one brother, Loyd "Bootsie" Cooper (Jimmie) of Cumberland; granddaughters – Shelby Campanella Betts (Jackie), Bailey Blair Palmer, Malley Palmer, Jena Claire Cooper, and Macey Grace Cooper; two grandsons – Michael Scott Campanella (Lauren) and Waylon Palmer; one great-granddaughter, Ava Rose Palmer; one great-grandson, Mason Scott Campanella; two nieces, one nephew, and his beloved canine companion, Pistol.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jean Cooper Peacock; brother, Joe Edd Cooper; and niece, Robin Peacock.
Pallbearers are Marcus Avent, Russell Forrester, Jeff Griffin, Cecil Johnson, Joe Keeton, Glenn Mann, David "Skeeter" Peel, Kyle Peel, Ronnie "Hub" Pepper, and Steve Walker. Honorary pallbearers are Terry Doss and Roger Swindle.
Visitation is Wednesday night, March 11, from 5 to 8pm, and funeral services are Thursday, March 12, at 2pm at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Charles "Buddy" Pepper officiating. Burial to follow in Spring Valley Cemetery. Oliver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.