Willie Harold "Bill" Cooper

Willie H. “Bill” Cooper, 80, a retired employee of the US Department of Labor, passed away Friday, February 3, 2012 at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 PM Sunday at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home in Ridgeland with visitation beginning at 1:30 PM.

Willie was born on May 2, 1932 in Calhoun County to the late Willie B. and Nancy (Dot) Pendergrast Cooper. He graduated from Springhill High School in Webster County. He also graduated from Sunflower Junior College before being drafted into the Army during the Korean Conflict. After being discharged, he continued his education at the University of Mississippi, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education. He was employed by the Mississippi State Employment Service as an Employment Counselor in the Greenwood office. He earned his Master’s Degree in Employment Service Counseling at Mississippi State University. He was promoted to the State Administrative office where he served as State Supervisor for service to Veterans, the handicapped, and elderly workers. Mr. Cooper resigned from the commission in 1977 to accept a position as Assistant State Director for Veterans Employment and training within the U.S. Department of Labor. He was promoted to State Director in 1983 and served in that capacity until his retirement in October 1994. Willie was a member of Christ United Methodist Church since 1972, where he served as parking usher and shuttle bus driver.

Willie is survived by his wife, Miriam (April) Cooper of Ridgeland; son, Jay Bradford Pond (Susan) of Ridgeland; daughters, Penny Walker (Charles) of Marks and Peggy Alexander of Greenville; brother, Russell Cooper (Kathleen) of Bradford’s Chapel; and sister, Betty Brown (Larry) of Lake City, Florida. Mr. Cooper is also survived by seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. William Stevens, Julie, Tonya, and the staff at The Blake for their compassion and care for Mr. Cooper. Memorials may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 6000 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS 39211; or to your favorite charity.