Charles J. "Jay" Cooper

Jay was born Sep 28, 1936 in Poplar, NC, to the late John Cooper and Edna Hughes Cooper. He lived a full life that included working the auto industry in Ohio and Michigan and working as a plumber. He strove diligently and eventually became the sole owner of Cooper Plumbing Co; then he finished his service to the community with 14 years as a bailiff for the Columbus Consolidated Government. Throughout his life he was active in his church and voluntarily drove the church bus into the corners of Columbus so children could find the Lord. He was a member and former Chairman of the Columbus Airport Commission, volunteered at the VA hospitals as a member of the Elks, supported local charities and politicians, and was a member of the East Columbus Babe Ruth board.

The family wishes to extend a thank you and recognition to Orchard View Rehabilitation and Long Term Care, most especially Gary, and Gentiva Hospice for their sensitivity and care.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Kay R. Cooper, two sons: Bobby Cooper and his wife Cecille, and Steve Cooper and his wife Cheryl, one daughter: Cindy Valentini and her husband Jerry, one brother: Wayne Cooper, three sisters: Verlon Burgess, Glenda Moore and Janie Burgess, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 11:00 am, on Monday, September 12, 2016 in the Mill Room of Striffler-Hamby at 4071 Macon Road Columbus, GA.

Funeral services will follow in the Mill Room on Monday, September 12, 2016, at 12:00 noon, with Reverend Thomas Pope officiating. Interment will follow in Parkhill Cemetery, with a reception to follow in the Mill Room at 1:00 pm.

Online condolences may be offer at www.shcolumbus.com