Kelly Thomas Cooper, 87, of Cherokee passed away on Feb. 12, 2015 at the Tsali Care Center in Cherokee following an extended illness.
Kelly was the son of the late Curtis Cooper and Lona Belle (Parker) Cooper and was born May 8, 1927. He is a veteran of the US Army and Attended Church at Bethabara Baptist Church in the Birdtown Community of Cherokee. He loved square dancing, automobiles and the Smoky Mountain elk. He worked hard and loved operating heavy equipment in the stone industry. He was loved by all who knew him.
Kelly is survived by his wife of 64 years Mrs. Rachel (Allen) Cooper; his adult children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as well as two sisters and two brothers.
Kelly is preceded in death by daughter, Eva Cooper.
A visitation will be held on Monday, Feb. 16 at Long House Funeral Home from 5-7pm. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 11am in the Chapel of Long House with Pastor Eddie Sherrill officiating. A burial will follow at the Thomas Memorial Cemetery in the Qualla Community of Whittier with family and friends acting as Pall Bearers.
Long House Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.