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Claude Miller Cooper, Jr. of Bedford, Texas, died Friday, August 20, 2021, at his home after a long period of declining health. 

Mr. Cooper was born October 18, 1940, in Selma, Alabama, the third child of Ruth and Claude Cooper.  He is survived by his son James Franklin Cooper and wife Caren of Bedford, Texas; his daughter Rachel Cooper Stewart and husband Clay of Kalamazoo, Michigan; six grandchildren, Katie Cooper Brown (Mark), Sam Cooper (Cynthia), Ruth Cooper (fiancé Jeff Bales), Orion Godinez, Claudia Godinez Williams (Anthony) and Addison Godinez (Jamie); six great grandchildren; sisters Virginia Cooper Downes and Sue Cooper Huffman and adoptive sister Jeannie Blackwell (Gaines); and four nieces and one nephew.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson Paul Michael Cooper and his brother-in-law W. George Huffman.

Mr. Cooper graduated from AG Parrish High School in Selma in 1959 and attended the University of Alabama, where he played the trombone in the Million Dollar Band.  After graduating from Auburn University, he joined the United States Navy, where he served for over two decades.  With his passion for music, Mr. Cooper enjoyed singing in church choirs and other singing groups throughout his adult life.  He loved sports of all kinds, with his favorite team being, of course, The Crimson Tide.  Mr. Cooper was also a fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers.  He loved to play Scrabble and was considered the Scrabble champion within his extended family.  A devoted father, grandfather and brother, with a playful, fun-loving and engaging spirit, he will be remembered by friends and family as one of the kindest and most gentle people they have ever known.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at 11 a.m. at New Live Oak Cemetery in Selma, Alabama. 

Memorials may be made to Loving Hope Hospice, 350 Westpark Way, Unit 220, Euless, Texas 76040, or to a charity of one’s choice.  Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home is serving the family.