Willie Cooper

Willie L. Cooper

Willie was born September 3, 1942 in Birmingham, Alabama (but resided in Leed, Alabama approximately 18 miles East of Birmingham Alabama) to the proud mother Ms. Addie Mae Cooper and grandparents Chester and Girlee Cooper.

Funeral Services will be Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 12:00 pm at Elmwood Funeral Home 5750 Hwy 277 South Abilene, Texas, Visitation Thursday, October 13, 11:00 am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Texas State Veteran Cemetery 7457 W. Lake Road, Abilene, Texas.

He attended and graduated from Robert R. Moton high school in 1959 in Leeds Alabama. Shortly after graduating he moved to East Chicago, Ind. to live with relatives. From there in 1961 he entered the United States Air Force and completed Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

He was assigned duties in the Air Police Career Field and assigned to Cheverton Air Base, England immediately after completing training at Lackland AFB, Texas. His military career requires him to be station in France, Thailand, Japan, Cheyenne Wyoming, Walker AFB, New Mexico and Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. In June of 1977 he was assigned a Dyess AFB as the Superintendent, Pass & ID with the 96 Security Police Squadron. He performed those duties until his retirement on 30 June 1982 with the rank of Master Sergeant for a total 22 years active service to his country.

And 1978 Willie became a part-time employee in the 7th Services Squadron Dyess Air Force Base and was assigned to the Community Center. He worked in that capacity until his retirement from the Air Force and was hired as a regular part-time employee at the facility. In March 1983 he was hired as Program Director with the rank of UA-6 and held that rank and position until 1988 when he was promoted to GS-9. In February 2001, Willie was rehired as the Community Center Director, and promoted to the rank of NF-4 and held that position until his retirement in 2008. He has been employed with the 7th Services Squadron for over 25 years.

During his duties as Community Center, Director, he was responsible for numerous base events such POC for over 15 Tops in Blue Performance schedule for Dyess in the Abilene community; Family/Teen and Base Talent shows, Air Show Food Booth Coordinator for Dyess Air Force Base Air Show, Alabama\Charlie Daniels Concerts (1969); and numerous events that provided leisure entertainment for the military community. As Community Center Director he continually provided directed and self-directed programs for the military community at the Community Center. He was privileged to attend several Air Force conferences over the years to enhance his knowledge in the recreation arena which has benefited the active duty, retired and civilians in their families assigned to the Dyess Air Force Base. Additionally, during his military career he has attended numerous training classes, NCO leadership Schools, seminars, briefings and has taken several courses with the University of Maryland University, University of Louisville, Cisco junior college and correspondence courses; which sharpened his ability to deal with military situation. From the civilian side of the workforce, he has received such honors as NAF Employee of the Year, Service employee of the year awards, numerous Quarterly award nominations and countless Letters of Appreciation from E-6 to Lieutenant General; which includes a personal note from Mr. Arthur J. Myers, Director of Services in 2002. In January 1997, the City of Abilene awarded him the Martin Luther King Junior. Human Service Award (one of 4 different awards presented) during the MLK luncheon where more than 1500 military and civilian 's attended. His military decorations include the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, South East Asia Campaign Metal, National Defense Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal. He is a 33 degree Mason affiliated with the Crawford Lodge # 918.

Willie Cooper excepted Christ at an early age at Hills Chapel CME Church, Leeds, Alabama, where he was a Jr. Steward, Sunday School Teacher and choir member and has continuously worshipped in the CME Methodist Church until his death. He was currently a member of the Antioch CME Church Senior Choir, Member of the Stewart Board where he has held the office of President and Secretary. He taught the adults Sunday School Class, and it has become a vital part of starting the Sunday worship service with spiritual uplifting. He's involved with programs in the community which enhances Christian unity and togetherness.

Willie Cooper is married to the former Doris N. Islands of rose Roswell New Mexico. The couple has been married for 57 years. William and Doris have 2 children; son: Willie L. Cooper Jr. (Lisa) of Denver Colorado; Daughter Vikki Cooper of Abilene, Texas. He has 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Relatives: 1st Cousins, Darlene Jones, Audrey Hipps, all of Clearwater Florida. Brother-In-Law: Sister-In-Laws; Mrs. Linda Reese, Roswell New Mexico; and Host of nieces and nephews.
Willie is preceded in death by his daughter, Theresa Flores, mother, Ms. Addie Mae Cooper, Grandparents Chester and Girlee Cooper, Uncle, Mr. Chester Cooper Jr. and 1st Cousin Harriett.

Family requested any donation to be sent to Antioch CME Church, 801 Plum Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.