David Harold Cooper

David was born in Norfolk, Virginia on August 6, 1958, grew up in Norfolk and later in Newport News and Williamsburg.

In 1971 David dedicated his life to the Lord after attending a church camp. He was baptized in the Church of Christ and tried to always ask himself What Would Jesus Do when making life’s important decisions.

He began his 18 year plus career with Colonial Williamsburg in the Landscape department and achieved the position of Maintenance Supervisor of the Commissary/Laundry complex. The highlight of David’s CW career was working 24/7 on site during the World Summit in 1997 and having the opportunity to meet President Reagan.

An opportunity to work for Virginia Commonwealth University provided new challenges in a much bigger environment. His career began as Academic Campus Coordinator for the Facilities division and received promotions, ending his career when he became ill as Director of Facilities Services, just shy of 20 years. His favorite memory of his VCU career, because of the level of his position, was the ability to provide mentorship and growth opportunities for his employees.

The ocean was David’s favorite place to be and many summers were spent at Sandbridge, with Sundays always being a time for friends and family to come and spend a day at the beach with lots of good food, ANOTHER favorite of David’s! David and Donna also took several cruises, travelling to every part of the Caribbean and more recently to the New England states. They are hoping their Mansion in Heaven will be near the ocean.

David was predeceased by his father, Arthur James Cooper; brother, Arthur Jr.; sister, Sarah Roxanne; mother-in-law, Jean Cheeks; and brother-in-law Terry Cheeks. He leaves to mourn his passing his loving and devoted wife of 25 years, Donna; son, Kevin; mother, Roxie Cooper Phillips; brother, John (Esther); sister, Mary Coates (Joel); sisters-in-law Carol Boyajy (Bill) and Becky Cheeks (Scott), and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Dr. John Miller, Peninsula Cancer Institute, was David’s physician for his almost 2 year battle. A kinder, more knowledgeable doctor would be hard to find. We are truly grateful that this team, including his primary nurse, Jody, were our partners during this difficult time. Each and every one who touched our lives in this office was a blessing to us. We want to also thank the team from Riverside Home Hospice, especially Jackie, Freda, Marie and Megan who were angels on earth, helping us keep David at home as long as possible. Thanks, too, to Williamsburg Hospice House for the loving care in David’s final days, making his transition to Heaven a smooth one. David was a warrior during this battle, astounding the team with his strength, and upbeat positive attitude. His faith remained strong.

The funeral service will be at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, VA at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 5, 2018. Interment will follow the service at Williamsburg Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Massey Cancer Center, VCU, 401 College Street, Box 980037, Richmond, VA 23298, Hospice House & Support Care of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23188 or The American Cancer Society, 11835 Canon Boulevard Suite A102, Newport News, VA 23606 in memory of David Cooper. Online condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.