Terry Boykin Cooper

Dr. Terry B. Cooper was a beautiful soul and a knight. He loved his wife and daughters deeply. As a dedicated doctor, he worked around the clock to save people’s lives, but my dad prioritized the three of us. He attended every recital and graduation. While he suffered from severe pain, he never missed a chance to say that life was wonderful and that nothing was more important than us.

He began his college career at Auburn University. In his third year, Terry was accepted to the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) Medical School to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. After his first year of residency, he volunteered for the Vietnam War serving as a Medical Internist at the Korat, Thailand Air Force base. Upon his return and completion of residency, he accepted a fellowship with UAB and began his career as an interventional cardiologist.

After retiring, Terry discovered the meditative nature of landscaping, transforming our backyard into a birdwatching haven. He sought out and eradicated every bit of poison ivy so that our mom could enjoy the outdoors, too.

Dad, I can’t count the number of times people told me you saved their lives and of the kindness and light you shared with them. Thank you for your unending dedication to your patients, your country and, most of all, your family. We’re all so proud of you — as proud as you were of us. I would not have all that I do without you. Thank you forever.

(Dr. Terry B. Cooper of Birmingham, Alabama passed away Wednesday, August 28, 2024. He was 79. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Auburn University at https://auburngiving.org/how-to-give/, Donald Trump's Presidential Campaign at https://win.donaldjtrump.com/, or a charity of your choice.)