Peoples Funeral Home | Marianna, FL

Obituary For Willie "Willie Lee" “Bubba” (Coach) Cooper

Mr. Willie Lee Cooper of Marianna, affectionately called Bubba and Willie Lee entered into eternal rest on Monday, December 23rd at the River Valley Rehabilitation Center in Blountstown. He was 93 years old.

He was of the Methodist faith and a member of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church. He served in the United States Army, receiving an Honorable Discharge and he was a retired educator and coach with the Jackson County School System.

Precious memories will forever remain with two devoted sons, Bernard Cooper (Bobbie) and Melvin Holland; three grandchildren, Anthony (Julie), Melvin Jr. and Reggie (Claisha); four great grandchildren, Myah, Darion, Devon and Demi; and a host of other relatives and friends who will mourn his passing, yet celebrate his life. A homegoing celebration will be Saturday, January 4th at 12 noon at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church with Pastor Ronald D. Mizer, Rev. Frances Menchion, Rev. Dovie Lewis and Bro. Jesse Douglas, Sr. officiating. Interment will follow in the Orange Hill Cemetery with arrangements entrusted to the Caring Staff at Peoples Funeral Home of Marianna. by the Caring Staff at Peoples Funeral Home of Marianna.

Guest Book

Father figure, mentor,role model, husband, father, community leader and just downright good person. I love you and will truly miss you. My heart felt condolences to the family of Bernard and Melvin. William E Long Jr

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RIP COACH COOPER!! We have many loving memories of you at JCTS—Home of the Fighting Panthers!!! We pray that God grants your family strength, comfort and peace during this difficult time!! —George Garrett Family

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RIP Coach Cooper. Will always remember you. Prayers for the family, especially my classmate, Bernard. Will forever hold you dear in our hearts. Class of "66" J. C. T. S. Panthers

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Our hearts are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Coach Willie Cooper, who was a long-time member of our community. As former teacher and coach at JCTS, Coach Cooper had an incredibly profound, and lasting influence upon students, who benefited from His tremendous insight, knowledge, motivation, and his immeasurable contribution to the continuity of their lives. He was not only passionate about his job, but was a mentor during those important, formative, years when we attended JCTS. He was an inspiration to all students. "Ordinary teachers teach their students to succeed. Great teachers, like Coach Cooper, teach their students to convert their failures into success." Those who knew him well, wholeheartedly, called him Coach Cooper, or Bubba." He gained his iconic status in the community through those whom he met, taught, and coached. Coach Cooper will be sorely missed by the community, and all those who knew and loved him, but never forgotten. We will miss tooting the horn when seeing him sitting outside in the yard, enjoying nature. Our heartfelt sympathy, and prayers go out to the entire family that God will strengthen and keep you in your hours of sorrow. May your faith in God, the love of family, and caring friends comfort you during this difficult time. With Deepest Sympathy, Mrs. Sarah P. Spires, Marinda S. Liggans, Curley S. Potter, Lenora S. Tolbert, the Herrings, & Gibson Family

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Thanks for sharing your kindness and hospitality when I visited, will always be remembered and many blessings to the family. The Chappell Family

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RIP coach and THANK YOU for all your wisdom over the years. You were the best swimming instructor. Mike Cotton, Tallahassee

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RIP in peace coach. I will always remember and Thank You for the swimming lessons.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Peoples Funeral Home