George Melvin Cooper, Jr.

Cooper, Jr., George Melvin , age 78, of Mt. Juliet, TN and formerly of Chattanooga, TN, died June 17, 2019 at home, surrounded by his family. George was born on January 18, 1941 in Chattanooga, TN. He was the son of the late, George Melvin Cooper, Sr. and Leona Park Cooper. A 1959 graduate of The McCallie School, he attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and graduated from the University of Chattanooga. His long career as an underwriter for Provident Life & Accident Insurance Company and Cigna Healthcare was only briefly interrupted by his service in the U.S. Army where he served in Vietnam. George was a lifelong, active church member, faithfully serving as a Deacon, Elder and Church Treasurer at Central Presbyterian Church later Northside Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga, TN. Since relocating to Mt. Juliet in 2010, he has been a faithful member of Providence United Methodist Church where he served as an usher and greeter. George enjoyed his grandchildren’s activities and was an avid poker player. After retirement, he developed a passion for service with various military organizations. He was an active member of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 203 in Chattanooga, TN and was a former Vice-President of the local VVA Chapter 1004. He served as Treasurer of the Vietnam Veterans of America Tennessee State Council. He was also active with the local American Legion, Post 218, serving as the Finance Officer.

He is survived by:

Wife of 55 years – Elizabeth List Cooper

Daughter – Claire (Steve) Cooper Slone of Mt. Juliet, TN

Son – George List Cooper of Nashville, TN

Grandchildren – Ashlyn Slone, Carson Slone and Landon Slone

Brother – David Cooper of Memphis, TN

A Celebration of Life services will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday, June 24, 2019 at Providence United Methodist Church, 2293 S. Rutland Road, Mt. Juliet, TN with Pastor Mark Youngman officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at 1 p.m. at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Tyler Cates American Legion Post 281, Mt. Juliet and members of the Vietnam Veterans of America Post 1004, Lebanon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, 3322 West End Avenue, Suite 900, Nashville, TN 37203, Providence United Methodist Church, 2293 S. Rutland Road, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 or the VVA Tennessee State Council, 607 Saddlestone Drive, Lebanon, TN 37090

Visitation will be 1-3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home and one hour prior to services Monday at the church.

Arrangements by  Bond Memorial Chapel, N. Mt. Juliet Road and Weston Drive, Mt. Juliet, TN. (615)773-2663. Obit Line (615)641-2663, www.bondmemorial.com