On July 16th 1954, he was born in Elizabethtown, NC, the son of the late Eric Cooper and Thelma Campbell Cooper. Willie graduated from East Bladen High School in 1972 and there after joined the United States Air Force. On March 25, 1978 he married the love of his life Claudette Frelix Cooper at Hill Air Force Base in Utah and together they raised three children. Willie served his country for 22yrs before retiring in 1994 settling in Brandon, FL. He then spent the next 25yrs working at the Hillsborough Transit Authority Hart before retiring in 2020.
Willie is survived by his Son Brandon Cooper, Daughter’s Shonna Scarborough, and Tristan Cooper, Brothers: James Cooper and George Cooper, Sisters: Mary Thompson, Dorothy Ellison, and Rachel Atkinson: Daughter in Law: Diana Cooper: Granddaughters: Nadia Cooper, and Santana Scarborough: Grandson’s: Desmond Scarborough and Calshon Scarborough: Great-Grandchildren: Kayla Glover, Travis Glover, Kannon Scarborough, and Kyniston Scarborough: Nieces, Nephews, friends and extended family.
Proceeded in Death by his parents Eric and Thelma Cooper, devoted wife Claudette Frelix Cooper, Son Staff Sergeant Julian Cooper, and Brother David Cooper.
Willie was an avid golfer, loved watching Football, Basketball, Baseball, and rooting against his Daughter’s (Tristan) favorite team.
A graveside service with Military Honors will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.
My sincere condolences to the Cooper family. May God comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time. Willie was a classmate and friend and always had a smile for everyone. You will truly be missed. East Bladen Class of 1972
May God bless you in the afternoon life. Rest in peace Willie.
May God bless you in the afterlife. Rest in peace Willie.
Love and condolences to family and friends
Sending you love strength peace comfort and prayers to the family. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
My condolences to the Cooper Family. Serving in the military and working alongside with Willie was truly my honor. He was a true professional and a very kind person. He will be missed!!
To the Cooper family, I pray that the memories you share of Willie bring you much comfort and peace. As a co-worker, I remember Willie as one of the kindest gentlemen I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. His smile and quiet attitude was constant, even while caring for his wife during her illness. I know he will be missed by everyone who knew him.