Samuel Taylor Cooper, Sr. passed away on July 9, 2019, at the age of 97. Born on March 31, 1922 to Taylor Lee and Daisy Archer Cooper, he was a member of the “greatest generation.” He served in the US Navy in WW II as a Navy pilot. Upon returning home, he finished his degree at Auburn University while coaching football and teaching at Notasulga High School. He went on to teach agriculture and coach at Ft. Deposit and Hayneville High Schools. He then traveled for the department of education and visited superintendents and principals throughout the state to explain the innovative benefits of educational TV. Lt. Cooper extended his military career by joining the Air National Guard and served as the Commander of the 232nd Mobile Combat Communications Squadron for 25 years and retired in 1978. Throughout his married life, he operated Cooperfield Farms. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, and he faithfully served as a deacon and elder at Hayneville Presbyterian Church.
Sam is survived by his children, Sam Cooper, Jr. (Emily), John D. Cooper (Ceil Ann), Carolyn Rebecca Oakes (John Allen), Catherine Lee Sellers (Terry); his grandchildren, Shae Harrell (Trent), Blake Kizlauskas (Andy), Pat Cooper (Adrian), Scott Cooper (Elizabeth), Jenny Sobera (Scott), Ashley Parrish (Charlie), Allen Oakes (Lauren), Sara Dean (Jody), Cooper Sellers (Maura); 21 great grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Sara C. Cooper; his parents; and his brothers, Archer Cooper and Albert Cooper.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at 10:00am at Hayneville Presbyterian Church in Hayneville, Alabama, with a Celebration of Life at 11:00am in the sanctuary. Rev. Lincoln Speece and Rev. Ron Carleton will officiate. Interment will follow at Hayneville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hayneville Presbyterian Church.
The family would like to extend a word of thanks to Nidira Shakur, Jean Harris, Carolyn Dubose, and the nursing staff at John Knox Nursing Home for their excellent care during this time.
