Jerry Nelson Cooper, 66, of Roanoke County, Va., died June 11, 2010. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary "Sandy" Cooper; son, Len Cooper and his wife, Lori, and grandchildren, Andrew and Audrey; daughter, Diane Simmons and her husband, David, and grandchildren, Gabriel, Joshua, and Jacob; his sister, Norma Williams and her husband, Bobby; and his sister-in-law, Barbara Goodwin. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, James Nelson "Pete" and Martha Jane Wills Cooper; sister Doris; and his son, Matthew. He was a Salem firefighter from 1964 to 2000 and retired in the position of captain. Jerry faithfully served his family and friends, using his skills as a self-taught carpenter, electrician, plumber and all-round handyman. Peg McCurry, deceased, was one of those friends, a neighbor on Ingal Blvd., who was like a sister to Sandy and Jerry. Jerry worked many side-jobs as well to provide for his family, including the position of auto-mechanic and substitute school bus driver. Jerry attended Cornerstone Church for many years and most recently attended Goodwin Memorial United Methodist Church. Jerry loved people and loved to talk to people. He demonstrated tenderness and endurance in the last years of his life, particularly through dealing with the unexpected death of his youngest son. Jerry never let up and worked as hard as he could despite a weakened heart. He will be missed as companion, dad, Paw-paw, and all around "Mr. Maintenance". Friends of Jerry and family will be received 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Lakeside Baptist Church, 447 Dalewood Avenue, Salem, followed by a memorial service at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Goodwin Memorial United Methodist Church, 3725 Hawley Drive, Salem, Va. 24153.

Published in Roanoke Times from June 13 to June 14, 2010

Peg McCurry