Champ Ray Cooper Sr. (Ray), age 77 of Sophia, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, January 18, 2021, at his home following a lengthy illness.
Mr. Cooper was born in Newport News, Virginia, on July 31, 1943, to Howard Benjamin and Lyndell Harris Cooper. He had a lifelong career in the furniture industry, beginning with his father's moving company, Cooper Transfer. Following in his father's path of entrepreneurship, Ray established a variety of successful furniture corporations. He then expanded his interest in forestry and tree farming throughout both North Carolina and Virginia.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Cooper was preceded in death by his brother, Howard Cooper. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia Lambeth Cooper of the home, his daughter, Angela Mroczkowski (Jason) of Asheboro, son Champ Cooper, Jr (Candy) of Randleman, son Benjamin Cooper (Lindsey), and daughter Danielle Scott (John) both of Sophia: Grandchildren Michael Carter II (Patricia), Jonathan Mroczkowski, Matthew Mroczkowski, Champ Ray Cooper III, Cooper Scott, Camden Scott, Benjamin Cooper, Baylon Cooper, Alexis Cooper: Great Grandchild Carter Ruiz. Along with his sister, Mary Tilley of Randleman, Judith Medlin, and brother Donald Cooper both Archdale.
Mr. Cooper loved spending time with his family and friends. His love of golf began as a young schoolboy caddying at Blair Park. He was an avid hunter who loved being outdoors. Ray also found great joy watching his grandchildren at ballgames. He took the utmost pride in the fact that his family relished his company and often sought his advice in which they applied when making decisions both large and small.
The family would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Duke University Liver Clinic team for their genuine care and phenomenal treatment. Also, Community Home Care and Hospice of Randolph County, especially Patricia Carter, for the loving care and comfort provided as well as all of the compassionate and attentive medical staff who have been apart of our dad's journey over the last two years.
Mr. Cooper will lie in repose on Friday, January 22, 2021, from 2:00 until 7:30 pm at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro. Due to Covid restrictions, the family will have a private funeral at a later date. After which, he will be laid to rest at Randolph Memorial Park.
The family will never forget the most beautiful closure. Dad requested his family. We surrounded his bed and had the opportunity to experience him with incredible clarity in his beautiful blue eyes and mind. He spoke to each of us. As a final statement, mom said, "We did good," to which he responded, "We sure did!"