Stephen Claude Cooper, 59, of Saint Johns, FL, passed away on April 12, 2014. He was born in Paducah, KY to Freddie Leon and Susan Summers Cooper. He graduated from Paducah Tillman High School and received degrees from Union University in Jackson, TN and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.
Steve served as Minister of Youth and Recreation at FBC Griffin, Georgia and later as Minister of Education and Youth at First Baptist Church Mableton, GA. A career change led him to employment with State Farm Insurance which spanned 28 years of service. While working for State Farm, Steve and his family lived in Atlanta, GA, Charleston, SC, and Florence, SC. Over the last 18 years he held the position of Section Manager in Jacksonville, FL.
With each career advancement, he forged many treasured and enduring friendships. His friends and family revere him as a man of great integrity, humility and respect, and delighted in his unique sense of humor.
Steve’s memory lives on through his wife of 33 years, Terri H. Cooper; sons, Drew S. Cooper and Kyle J. Cooper; parents, Freddie and Susan; sister, Carol Cooper Wilson and her husband, Don T. Wilson; along with other family members and friends.
He was a man of steadfast faith who served in many churches throughout his life. Deermeadows Baptist Church in Jacksonville was blessed to benefit from his loyal service as Deacon, Bible Study Teacher, Chairman of several key committees, and mentor. He tirelessly sought to grow in his spiritual walk, which lead him to study a broad spectrum of Christian theologians. He remained a life-long learner.
Steve enjoyed a talent for woodworking, love of the outdoors, tennis, St. Louis Cardinals Baseball, Kentucky Wildcats Basketball and composing unforgettable Christmas letters.
His greatest love was his God, his family and his friends.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday (today), April 15th in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin. The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16th in Deermeadows Baptist Church, 9780 Baymeadows Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 with Dr. Michael Riley and Rev. Don Wilson as Officiants, followed by interment in Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207.
Memorial contributions may be made in Steve’s name to Seamark Children’s Ranch or to Deermeadows Baptist Church Missions Fund.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.
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