Joe Wallace Cooper Jr.

Joe W. Cooper, Jr. of Acworth, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13 in hospice. Joe was born to Joe W. and & Willie D. Cooper on October 8, 1927 in Vicksburg, MS. and was raised in Memphis, TN with his siblings: Calvin, Delores and James. Joe was active in ROTC at South Side HS and after graduation he joined the Army and also married his sweetheart, Mary Elizabeth. They were married for 27 years Joe W. Cooper, Jr. of Acworth, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13 in hospice. Joe was born & traveled the world together raising 4 children: Phyllis, Joseph, Mary J. and Robert. Joe was also married to Kay Custer for 6 years and Mary Francis Whelan for 19 years. Joe enlisted in the Army in Dec 1945 and after 29 3/4 years of service, retired as CWO-4 in Ft Shafter, Hawaii in Aug 1975. He enjoyed talking about his early years in the 508th & 82nd Airborne earning master parachutist. He was a Korea and Viet Nam vet. He earned 13 ribbons, twice awarded the bronze star for meritorious service in combat zones. After leaving the military, he continued working until the mid-90’s. In 2005 Katrina destroyed his home in Slidell Louisiana and he relocated to Georgia to live with family, enjoying holidays and family gatherings throughout the years. Joe was well-read and loved history, enjoyed working on his motorcycle during his riding days and really loved his border collie, Jamie. Joe is survived by all 4 children, 8 grandchildren: JD, Jason, Elizabeth, Caryn, Katherine, Drea, Ryan and Madison, 8 great-grandchildren: Joe, William, Emma , Nicholas, Alex, Aiden, Stella and Rylan. Visitation 6-8 pm Feb 19 at Woodstock Funeral Home, 8855 Main St. Woodstock, GA 30188. Services: 11 am Feb 20 at Woodstock Funeral Home followed by burial at Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, GA 30114. Online condolences may be made at www.woodstockfuneralhome.com.