John Adams Cooter

John Adams Cooter, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and longtime resident of Greenville, South Carolina, passed away on February 7, 2026. John leaves behind a legacy of integrity, service, and friendship that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

John lived life to the fullest and rarely met a stranger. Born on May 5, 1939, in McLean, Virginia, to Irvin and Lucy Cooter, he was raised with a deep appreciation for family, hard work, and community. He graduated from the College of William & Mary in 1961, where he was a proud member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, and began his professional career in Atlanta, Georgia, with the public accounting firm Price Waterhouse.

In 1963, John married Judith Diane Williams (Judy), and that same year joined the United States Army Reserves. In 1966, he moved to Greenville, South Carolina, where he began what would become a distinguished career with the accounting firm Elliott Davis. In 1968, his Reserve unit was activated and deployed to Vietnam, where he served for one year as a Captain at a forward fire base near the Demilitarized Zone in Quang Tri Province.

Following his honorable military service, John returned to Greenville in 1969 and resumed his work at Elliott Davis. He became a partner in the firm and served for more than 30 years, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike. Throughout his career, John was actively involved in numerous professional, civic, and community organizations, reflecting his deep commitment to Greenville.

A man of wide-ranging interests and enduring friendships, John was an integral member of many social groups, including his poker and bridge clubs, the Wednesday afternoon ski group, and the Greenville Country Club and Poinsett Club. Nothing, however, gave him greater pride or joy than being a grandfather, and he cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren.

John is survived by his life partner, Joyce Smart; his sons, Dr. Michael Cooter and his wife Amy, and Mark Cooter and his wife Rachel; and his cherished grandchildren, Zach (Mary Grace Seaborn), Jackson, Ellie (Emmy), Sam, and Andrew Cooter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Lucy Cooter; his brother, Robert Cooter; and his wife of 50 years, Judy Cooter.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 200 W. Washington St., Greenville, SC 29601, with a visitation immediately following the service at the church. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

The family deeply appreciates the prayers, condolences, and support offered during this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Community Foundation of Greenville (www.cfgreenville.org) or to a charity of the donor’s choice.