William C. Cooper
June 5, 1934 ~ January 29, 2017
ROCKY MOUNT - On January 29, 2017, Dr. William ("Billy") C. Cooper, Jr., 82, died peacefully following a courageous battle against declining health. Dr. Cooper was born on June 5, 1934 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to William C. Cooper, Sr., and Willie Odom Cooper. Dr. Cooper was predeceased by his parents, as well as his sisters, Doris Cooper Wrenn and Jean Cooper Barefoot, his brothers-in-law, Don Scarboro, Roy Lee Fulcher, Everette Barefoot, and Jack Fenner, and sister-in-law, B.J. Fulcher Fenner.
Dr. Cooper is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Janet Fulcher Cooper. Dr. Cooper and his wife met in high school and were high school sweethearts. Dr. Cooper is also survived by his three devoted children, daughter Audrey Lane Cooper of Rocky Mount, son William Scott Cooper, Sr. and daughter-in-law, Laurie Phillips Cooper, of Raleigh, and daughter Elizabeth Cooper Rose and son-in-law, Jep Rose, of Rocky Mount.
Dr. Cooper is survived by five loving and beautiful grandchildren, Rachel Cooper Torres and her husband, Eric Torres, of Fuquay Varina, William ("Will") Scott Cooper, Jr., of Raleigh, Sarah Jane Cooper of Boone, Mary Ashley Rose of Raleigh, and Lucy Cooper Rose of Chapel Hill, as well as sister-in-law, Audrey Fulcher Scarboro, of Rocky Mount, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Freddy and Sarah Fulcher, and nieces and nephews.
In 1952, Dr. Cooper graduated from Rocky Mount High School, where he was a star quarterback on the football team and voted the best all-around boy in his graduating class. He was a dedicated member of Troop 11 of the Boy Scouts, during which Bill Draper, his scoutmaster, became one of Dr. Cooper's most ardent mentors. Dr. Cooper attained the rank of Eagle Scout.
Upon his high school graduation, Dr. Cooper entered Union College in Schenectady, New York, where he played as the quarterback for the football team for 2 years, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1956, graduating with honors. From Union College, Dr. Cooper entered Duke Medical School, where he was president of the junior and senior medical school classes and was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, honorary medical fraternity.
Dr. Cooper interned at Duke in pediatrics in 1960-1961, and his first year of pediatric residency was served at Duke in 1961-1962. In 1962, he entered the Army and spent two years at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he was active in pediatrics at the Army base. In 1964, Dr. Cooper returned to Duke as chief resident and completed his residency in pediatrics. He went into practice with two pediatricians in Lumberton, but returned to Rocky Mount where he opened his own private practice on February 14, 1966.
Dr. Cooper practiced medicine for approximately 48 years. Following his retirement, he worked as a volunteer at Nash General Hospital for around 6 years.
Dr. Cooper loved to read, watch movies, travel to the beach, sports, including going to Duke football games with his daughter, Audrey, and especially being with family and friends. He was a faithful member of The Church of the Good Shepherd from 1966 until his death.
Dr. Cooper was blessed with a brilliant mind, but most importantly, he utilized his intellect, skills, and abilities to serve God through tirelessly treating and healing his little patients, as well as providing encouragement, hope, and deep empathy to their families. Dr. Cooper became a physician, so that he could provide service to others, and he dedicated his life to striving at all times to alleviate suffering. He went beyond the call of duty, such as the many holidays he made house calls to treat sick or injured children, so that it would be easier for the children and their families. He always worked hard to make life better for others.
Dr. Cooper always lived his life with the highest standards of ethics, honesty, and good character. He had a gentle, calm, and sweet spirit. He was deeply compassionate and loving to all people. He was always forgiving of those who hurt him and never criticized or judged others. Dr. Cooper epitomized all of the fruits of the spirit - gentleness, faithfulness, patience, love, joy, self-control, peace, goodness, and kindness.
His wife knew him as a devoted, committed, and loving husband, and his children and grandchildren knew him as a beloved and precious Father and grandfather. He was a loyal and fine friend and had a great sense of humor. Dr. Cooper was adored by his family and will be deeply missed. Dr. Cooper also loved animals and will be very much missed by his Collie, Teddy, and his cat, Abigail. Whenever Dr. Cooper's family thinks of him and his life, they think of the Bible verse, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
The family would like to extend their deep and abiding appreciation to Dr. Timothy C. Smith, who was Dr. Cooper's dedicated and outstanding physician for many years, as well as being a very dear and special friend to Dr. Cooper and his family. The family also wishes to thank the physicians and nurses who cared for him at Vidant Edgecombe Hospital in Tarboro upon his last admission to the hospital, as well as the staff at Autumn Care of Nash, who lovingly cared for him during his last days.
Funeral arrangements are provided by Wheeler and Woodlief of Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 3, at Wheeler and Woodlief. A memorial service to celebrate Dr. Cooper's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, at The Church of the Good Shepherd in Rocky Mount. Following the service, interment will be held at Pineview Cemetery in Rocky Mount.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to The Church of the Good Shepherd, 231 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, or Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina, P.O. Box 127, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> |
Friday 2/3, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cemetery
Pineview Cemetery
761 N. Raleigh Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
Memorial
Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church
231 N. Church Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-442-1134 --> |
Saturday 2/4, 2:00 pm
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
A truly great physician and man. He will be missed. I have never met a doctor who cared as he did for his patients. He was my husband’s doctor and my children’s. Prayers for the family.
Dr. Cooper was my pediatrician as a child and my dad’s pediatrician. He was a wonderful amazing man and doctor who cared and loved all of his patients as if they were his own children. I was never scared to have to go to the doctor, even for shots, because I always knew he would be nice to me and give me that stick of chewing gum and a sticker. He will truly be missed. My prayers go out to his family.
Dr. Cooper was my Dr growing up. I enjoyed his friend smile and his laugh was contagious. He will be greatly missed and always remembered. Praying for the family for comfort at this time.
Our loss, but Heaven’s gain. I’m 58 and he was my doctor when I was a child. I was never scared going to the doctor because he was so kind. I just loved seeing him. He touched so many lives,
A great physician, was so good to my children and our family, greatly missed. A good man. Thoughts and prayers with all of his family.
Dr. Cooper was my daughters pediatrician from the time she was born until his retirement. She always loved going to Dr. Cooper. As a new Mom at the time he was always there to answer any questions that I had. He will be missed! My thoughts and prayers are with the family!
I’m 47 years old and he never forgot my name or birthday. He will really be missed!
Dr Cooper was my pediatrician since birth. I loved that man with all my heart. I think sometimes I played sick just so I could go see him and his nurse. I remember him always giving me a stick of Carefree bubble gum that he kept in his pocket. My heart is truly broken.
I had the honor of not only having Dr. Cooper as my pediatrician but also of working with him and his office as a nurse. He was a great pediatrician and an awesome teacher! He truly loved what he did. I was always amazed how he remembered the names and birthdates of each one of his patients!
He was a wonderfully kind person! Even later in life, if he found out you had a child, he would offer advice and help. He will be missed.
Dr. Cooper was there for the births of both my children. He answered so many questions for me as a new mom. Have thought of him often with true respect over the years.He was a dear man.
Dr Cooper was the best! He would always tell my daughter, she and his granddaughter shared the same birthday! He was the kindest and most caring persondoctor you could ever want to meet! Always smiling and the BEST at what he did!!! He will truly be missed!
My sister and I were patients of Dr. Cooper in the 70’s. I have lots of memories of my Dr. visits, he was a very kind man and a great pediatrician.
My daughter was a patient and he was truly a wonderful man.
Dr. Cooper was a wonderful doctor and a wonderful man. My two boys went to him and Dr. Ramsey for many years and they have fond memories of the original Nash Pediatrics Staff. May his memory be a special blessing to his family because it certainly is special to the many children he cared for and their parents.
To Janet, Audrey, Elizabeth, and the entire family I am so sorry about your loss. I know that your hearts are aching. Dr. Cooper will always be remembered for his untiring dedication to the children of Rocky Mount as well as their families. Give Janet a big hug for me. Nancy Ellis
Lit a candle in memory of William C. Cooper
Lit a candle in memory of William C. Cooper
Lit a candle in memory of William C. Cooper
Lit a candle in memory of William C. Cooper
Lit a candle in memory of William C. Cooper
So sorry to learn of Dr. Cooper’s death. He was my daughter, Kelle’s doctor until she graduated from college. He was always such a special doctor and he was so kind and gentle to his little children. He will surely be missed. Shirley House!
My heart breaks for the family…he was such a special person in my life too. He was Terri’s pediatrician & I am not sure we could have done without him…especially when she fell & broke her head at 9 weeks (what the paper reported)… lol. He never forgot that either. He continued to be a friend & there are so many special things he did for us through the years…will never forget him. Thoughts & prayers for family in the coming difficult days.
Your family will be in our prayers. Dr Cooper looked after my three girls (Veillette family) and so many nieces and nephews. He was certainly loved by so many, much more than just a doctor such a friend we all had in him. He always had a funny story for me about his children growing up.
I worked with Dr. Cooper for several years at Nash in the Nursery. He was always kind, professional, and went above and beyond for his patients. He also took care of my children. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Janice Alford.
Such a wonderful, kind doctor and a true southern gentleman. When my kids were younger he made house call for my daughter and met us at his office on a Sunday afternoon for my son at a time when doctors no longer even considered seeing outside of office hours. Thankful he was able to be pediatrician for two of my grandchildren, one of whom he literally saved at birth! Continued to see him over the years at NGH and more recently at Autumn Care caring for his wife in last couple of years. Such a loving, caring husband. Your family so lucky to have had such a wonderful person for husband and father. He will be greatly missed.
So sorry to hear of Dr. Coopers passing .. He was my pediatrician growing up and an awesome one at that. My prayers are with you all! Michael Arnold
Knew Billy and Janet in High School. What a beautiful couple they were. He was a blessing to all who knew him, professionally and personally. Our love and sympathy to the family. Peggy and John May.
Sorry to hear of Dr. Cooper’s passing! He was pediatrician for our 3 boys for many years. Great guy! Often saw him at the YMCA in recent years. Always asking about the boys. Eddie and Jan Brown
Audrey so sorry to hear about your Dad! Such a kind man. I know you all will surely miss him.
Dr. Cooper was our pediatrician for 20 years and took good care of our 2 girls. We are so sorry to read of his passing. He was a fine man and I know you each have wonderful memories to remember every day. That is truly a blessing. May you feel God’s comfort and peace. Connie Ogburn
Lit a candle in memory of William C. Cooper
Dr Cooper was a great doctor to our two children years ago. He took lots of time with them, drawing pics and chatting. It was always worth the drive from Roanoke Rapids! Praying for his family.
Dr. Cooper was a wonderful pediatrician to our daughter, Brandi. We are die hard Carolina Tar Heel fans and Dr. Cooper was a die hard Duke fan. When Brandi started talking, we taught her how to spell Carolina and when Dr. Cooper would come into the exam room, we would tell Brandi to spell it for him. He would grin from ear to ear and pick Brandi up, take her into his office and show her Duke and tried to get her to spell Duke. She would shake her head and keep spelling Carolina. She adored him, especially when he prescribed the pink medicine. When I was working at PrimeCare Medical Center, I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Cooper. He was the same sweet Dr. Cooper from Brandi’s childhood. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all his many friends. Dalton, Teresa and Brandi Hux
Dr. Cooper was a great pediatrician and he provided excellent care to my two children. Blessings to all the family. Joyce Ange
This was the most wonderful Pediatrician to my three sons and granddaughters. No matter where I saw him he knew me and my sons and granddaughters. If I was out with one of my granddaughters he would say something about her birthday coming up. He never forgot who you were. He will be greatly missed. Prayer and thoughts go out to his family. Barbara Summerlin
Dr Cooper was the best Pediatrician. He always made me feel very comfortable and I didn’t want to stop going to him even when I was too old to be going to a pediatrician. Love you Dr Cooper!
Lit a candle in memory of William C. Cooper
I played football with Billy and knew him as a friend all through HS. He was a great QB and a scholar. Even in high school we all knew greatness was in his future. Billy’s death is a great loss for all of us who knew him and humanity as well. . Lee Parker PhD
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Cooper’s family. I was a patient of his from birth to college. He always put me at ease with a stick of carefree gum or by talking about the mobile hanging from the ceiling. He had so much compassion for his patients and their families. God Bless. -Mary Guill Griffin Debnam
Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Dr. Cooper was our friend and our pediatrician. We have cherished his kindness, humor and guidance through the years. Elizabeth, your family is and has always been special to us. We truly loved this man and all of you.
Lit a candle in memory of William C. Cooper
Lit a candle in memory of William C. Cooper
Lit a candle in memory of William C. Cooper
Our condolences! We are a two-generation family of patients. Thank you Dr. Cooper. God bless.
He was my Dr. from birth and for both my girls too. Oh how he calmed me down as a new mother in his firm but loving way. He was a precious person to me and mine. He even still remembered my birthday up to as recently as a year ago. Everytime I saw him he’d tell me my birthday before he even said my name. The world has a lost a truly wonderful soul and how much more the loss your family has suffered. You are all in our family’s prayers! Lenora Scheibe Whitley
Worked with him at Nash back in the 70’s. I remember him as smart, kind and particular,one of my favorites! Took great care of both of my children. Rip…
Dr Cooper was an awesome dr who took care of both of my girls. I’m soo sorry our community loss such a great man! Praying for the family!
He was the best doctor to my girls…always took time with you no matter what! His kindness and funny sense of humor always put you at ease. It felt like you were part of the family! Heaven has received a true angel and he will be missed! My thoughts and prayers are with the family! Bunnie Goodell Edwards
Dr. Cooper, the new pediatrician in town to whom I entrusted the medical care of my son and daughter for over two decades, remains in our hearts. Always so,so very smart and with kindness and a gentleness that endeared him not only to his patients; but especially their anxious mothers! To his family, thank you for sharing him. Peace and grace, Beverly Griffin, RN
My sister and I were two of the first patients Dr Cooper saw when he started his practice in Rocky Mount. When I became a Mom I took my daughter and son to him also. He was one of the best and he will forever be in our hearts.
Dr. Cooper was my children’s pediatrician and they loved him so much. Every time my son would fall or get hurt when he was little he would say I need to go see Dr. Cooper! Rest in peace. You were an awesome doctor.
My children were patients of Dr. Cooper.He was a special doctor and so caring for each child.So sorry to hear of his passing.I will keep all his family in my prayers.
What a wonderful man! So sorry to hear this. I remember how kind he was when I first brought my new baby boy to him. I was a nervous mom worried I’d do something wrong but he made me feel like I was the best mom ever! My love and prayers for peace for his loving family who I know will miss him terribly!
Dr. Cooper was simply a great man.
He was a wonderful physician. He always listened and took great care of his patients. He was a honorable man.
Prayers for his family! He was a great physician. I am thankful he was my doctor growing up.
So much I could say, he was surely a wonderful and will be sorely missed person. Loved him and some of his sweet family members known over yrs. He was my son’s Pediatrician but we loved him like family all those many yrs visiting him. Prayers for his beloved family. Great ppl like him. Godspeed Dr Cooper. Heaven surely gained a wonderful Angel enroute. prayskin-tone-2latin_crossheart
Lit a candle in memory of William C. Cooper
Lit a candle in memory of William C. Cooper
Lit a candle in memory of William C. Cooper
Lit a candle in memory of William C. Cooper
Lit a candle in memory of William C. Cooper
Dr. Cooper was my oldest daughter’s paediatrician. He was so kind and very helpful to a new Mom of only 21! I will never forget the comment he made to me the morning after her birth. I was blow drying my hair when he knocked at the room door. He said I wondered if you were sawing a log Always smiling and so nice.
Audrey, I am one of Janet’s Meredith classmates who stopped by for a visit at least 10 years ago..With me were Jo Ellen Ammons (who recently passed away), Mary Ann Lawrence, and Mary Edna Grimes. Mary Ann and Mary Edna called me today so I will express sympathy and love to your family and especially your mother.from all of us. Nancy Noel
Dr. Cooper took care of all three of my beautiful children and now as this picture turns 21 and my youngest turns 22 in the next week, I remember how amazing and how much Dr. Cooper did for me as a mother as well as he did for my children. What a wonderful man.
Dr. Cooper was a fine physician and man. My condolences to Audrey and your family. Wimberley Burton
My deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Cooper. When his practice was on Keen Street in Rocky Mount, he was my older siblings doctor. When he moved to Foy Dr., along with Ramsey, he was my pediatrician. I owe my life to Dr. Cooper. I was 13 years old and in severe pain…Nash General kept saying it was a stomach virus. My mother took me in to see Dr. Cooper on Foy. He marked my right lower quadrant with a black marker and made an X. He sent us straight to the hospital where he met us. I was prepped for surgery, he was right there with me for as long as I could remember. When I went to surgery, my parents knew but I didn’t, what was going on…I find out that Dr. Cooper had told my parents that I had to have emergency surgery due to appendix. I find out that as soon as my appendix were removed, it ruptured. If it had not been for Dr. Cooper and his wisdom provided by God, I may have not survived pass that day had he not ordered emergency surgery. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Without this man, I would not be here today!
Scott, I am so sorry to hear of your Dads passing. Dr. Cooper was my pediatrician. I was talking to a coworker this morning about how caring Dr. Cooper was and how doctors like him are so hard to find. I can remember when I was visiting Rocky Mount and my son became ill. I called Dr. Coopers office and he saw my son within a couple of hours. Such a great man. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Athena Lien (Tina Pappas).
Audrey, I am so very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I always enjoyed seeing him bringing Teddy to doggie daycare. Teddy was Brownie’s first daycare friend and they are both special to us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Teddy and all of your family. – Deborah Hartness
Dr. Billy Cooper was my two son’s pediatrician. A fine gentleman and made the boys feel at ease. He gave my youngest the nickname motor mouth do to his never ending talking.
He was my doctor when I was little. When I was 5 years old I woke up sick one Sunday morning. He told my mom to bring me to his office. His office was closed but he met us there. He could tell practically just by looking at me that I had meningitis. He sent me to the hospital and he treated me. I was a very sick little girl for a while. I can remember that well. He was a really smart caring doctor and I am thankful he was there for me. To his family I am sorry for your loss.
Dearest Audrey, I just learned of your Dad’s passing. I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how heartbroken you must be. This is such an overwhelming time for you and your family but I hope you know I love you and am here for you if you need me. With deepest sympathy, Dona
Elizabeth I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Please know that u r n my thoughts and prayers…. stay strong my friend..
Lit a candle in memory of William C. Cooper
Elizabeth… So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. His obituary was so well written… So many of his accomplishments I was not aware of… Among them .. His role as a quarterback!! So nice to see pictures of of your Mom smiling on the video…Remembering the laughs the three of us had when we were doing aerobics at The Nautilus. Your Dad was Ann and Will’s pediatrician from birth to college and never failed to ask about them by name when inquiring how they were doing years later…. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers ! Pat McDonald
Dear Janet and Family, I read about Billy’s passing in the N&O, and I was so distressed to read it. My husband Lindsay and I would like to wish all of you our deepest sympathy. I remember seeing both of you at several RMHS reunions, although we did not attend the most recent ones. I well remember Billy as one of the most outstanding people in our high school class. His superlative as Most Likely to Succeed was certainly right on target. He was so outstanding and always so nice to everyone. I watched the lovely video online, and it surely portrayed him as having a life well-lived, filled with love of family as well as showing his service to mankind as a pediatrician. I remember seeing you all at the Carleton House in R.M. on a Sunday years ago when I was visiting my mother, Vera Gray. Your children were about the same ages of mine, and I think this was during their college years. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Sincerely, Virginia Gray Reed
Janet, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful husband. He was a fine physician that greatly blessed the children and families in Rocky Mount. Please know that we are thinking of you in this time of sadness. Rich and Betty Michal