George Cooper

George Cooper, 69, passed away Friday, February 26, 2021 at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. A celebration of life will be Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Holy Temple Church of God in Christ Hamlin, Texas with Pastor Weldon Burchett officiating. Interment at Hamlin Cemetery under the direction of Foster-Adams-Ray Funeral Home.

George Cooper was born on October 21, 1951 to Jimmy Rice and Ruthie Mae Cooper in Hamlin, Texas. George attended Oscar DePriest and Hamlin High School entering the workforce after high school. George grew up and spent most of his adult life in Hamlin deciding after retiring as a truck driver for Pied Piper Mills to trade the small-town life for the big city of Dallas living there for over 20 years until his death.

During his time in Hamlin, George was an active member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. Moving to Dallas, George sought a church home where he could be active and share the love of Christ with others. That search brought him to Christian Center Family Church where he was involved in many activities including singing in the choir and acting in plays.

George was a tall man in stature and had just as big of a heart. He loved both his family and church family so much, with each person having a special place in his heart. George loved coming back home for the holidays and treasured every moment spent with his family and always had a kind or encouraging word for those he loved.

George had many hobbies, but more than anything he loved to cook, fish, and play dominoes.

No matter what the weather George would make it to any fishing hole and try to catch something, often taking his catch from the water straight to the frying pan.

Any gathering was a reason to bring out the dominoes where George was known to challenge even the most experienced opponent. Church picnics were always fun as he would play with a partner or just one-on-one with his great friend Cheryl, teasing about who might be the champion that day. When not fishing or playing dominoes, George was cooking or baking something. He took such pride in cooking and sharing what he cooked with others.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Deborah; daughter Monika; grandchildren Chelsie, Markus, Marquise, Kerian, and Brianna; great-grandchildren Ja'Vala, Ja'King, Jayceon, Kai, and baby Marcus on the way; sisters Ruby Cooper and Alice Marshall; brother-in-law Louis Shelton and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

George is preceded in death by his parents, sister Linda Shelton; brother-law Shelton Marshall, and special friend Bro. Pete.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the Pastor and church members of Christian Center Family Church and L.J. Lee, Jr. for loving and taking such great care of George over the years.