Norman Cooper, Jr. 62, passed on Thursday, October 10, 2024 in Columbus, GA.

Funeral service will held at 11:00 a.m. EST on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church located at 474 Antioch Road, Pittsview, AL with Rev. Robert Toney, pastor, officiating. Burial in the church cemetery. Public viewing is from 1:00-5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, October 18, 2024.

A TIME FOR EVERYTHING: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1

A TIME TO BE BORN: On September 1, 1962, in Tuskegee, Alabama Norman affectionally known as "Lil Norman or Hound" made his grand entrance into the world to the parents of the late Norman Sr. and Dorothy Cooper. Norman also experienced a spiritual transformation in August 1997 when he confessed Christ at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Fletcher Pugh.

A TIME TO PLANT: Norman began his foundation in Atlanta and later relocated to Alabama at the tender age of 8 where he resided with his grandmother the late Willie Long, his aunt and uncle the late George Sr. and Rosetta Cooper, and special cousins George Jr. (Geraldine) Cooper, Gwyn (James) Davis, and the late Kathy Gordy. He received his formative education at Pittsview Junior High and later transitioned to Russell High School until 1980. In 2005 he received a trucking certification from American Truck Driving Academy.

A TIME TO BUILD: While in the 10th grade Norman met the love of his life the late Barbara Ann Upshaw whom he shared a life with until her passing on December 29, 2016. To this union three children were born Demetrick Upshaw, Norman L. Upshaw (RaSheka Williams) and Travis Upshaw. Norman was a hard worker and a great provider for his family. His work experience includes Diversified Metalsmith Inc., Bibb Mill Inc., Swift Textile, and several trucking companies with the latest being Circle K.

A TIME FOR LOVE AND FAMILY: Family was at the heart of Norman's life. He enjoyed many hobbies with his favorites being farming and fishing with his late aunt, Ida M. Macon, sports chat with his late aunt, Johnnie Langham, and he cherished family gatherings.

A TIME TO REST: Beginning January 2024, Norman did lose some of the pep in his step and the glide in his stride, but as Ecclesiastes chapter reminds us there is a time and season for all things which includes a time to take our eternal rest. As the end of Norman's earthly life approached, he peacefully slept away while surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

A TIME TO MOURN: Those left to cherish his memories other than his three children are his five beloved grandchildren: Maya James, Kameron Jackson, Norman L. Upshaw Jr., NiYana Upshaw, and NaRiah Upshaw; one precious great granddaughter, Jelani Upshaw; one loving sister, Bertha (Virgie) Gordy, three sisters-n-law, Katherine Brown, Shirleen Upshaw (Willie C. Brown), Tracey Upshaw, and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and beloved friends.