V. A. Cooper

Services for V. A. Cooper will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at North Jackson church of Christ, with David Powell, minister officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens. Visitation will begin one hour before service.

V. A. was born in Trenton, TN, July 30, 1922 to Elmer and Ina Kennington Cooper. The family moved to Bemis, TN for employment in the cotton mill.

At age 15, V. A. joined the Tennessee National Guard, at age 18, he enrolled in the Civil Conservation Corps and was sent to Berkley, CA for 18 months, then to Jackson Hole, WY before returning home to work at various jobs. On October 20, 1942 he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and spent 14 weeks training at Paris Island, SC, remaining there until January, 1943. He then attended sea school in Portsman, VA before boarding the new U.S.S. Yorktown (Fighting Lady) in April of 1943, serving as a 20 mm gunner, engaging in 39 battles with incoming enemy aircraft. He was credited with 70 solo kills, receiving many commendations. V.A. completed his military as a drill instructor.

Following the war, he worked on an assembly line with General Motors in Michigan, a police officer in Jackson, TN, door to door sales in Mercantile and retired as an insurance sales agent at age 64.

V. A. was married to Bonnie Marie Moore of McNairy County, TN. They raised their family in Nashville and Jackson, TN. V. A. loved the Lord and was always willing to share the word of God, either by pulpit preaching, classroom teaching or individual bible study. He helped establish congregations in Nashville and Jackson as well as going on mission trips to Russia.

Other than his parents, V. A. was predeceased by his wife, following 61 years of marriage; one daughter, Debra Ann (Debbie) Cooper and a brother, Jerry Hillard Cooper.

He leaves to cherish his memory, one son, a granddaughter, two great-grandchildren, a sister and a brother.

The family asks memorials be directed to North Jackson church of Christ, 2780 Hwy. 45 Bypass, Jackson, TN 38305.

We can never express enough thanks for the out pouring love and wonderful care V. A. received during his 28 month stay at Tennessee State Veterans Home in Humboldt, TN. Our thanks extend to all who visited, called and sent cards. We appreciate the thoughts and prayers of each.

Lawrence-Sorensen Funeral Home, 731-424-2424.