Michael Lee Cooper Jr.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael Cooper and Melinda Hamilton; his sister, Andrea Watts; and his paternal grandparents, Walter Cooper and Josie Gallaher.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Laurie Cooper; his daughter, Berkley Cooper; his uncle, Michael Howerton; his cousin, Heather Howerton-Aldridge; his father and mother-in-law, John and LeeAnn Pelon; his brother and sister-in-law Justin and Kelly Pelon; his brother-in-law, Terry Watts; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Mike was employed at Boyd Metals for 11 years. He started off as the General Manager of Transportation. He was later promoted to Director of Operations, Safety & Transportation. Mike really enjoyed working at Boyd Metals. He was loved by his colleagues, who were also some of his close friends.

Mike had the most amazing personality. He had the biggest and most kindest heart. He was the type of person who was always a phone call away and would drop whatever he was doing to help you. Along with his big heart, Mike was also a jokester. He always knew how to make you laugh and smile. Often times you would wonder when or how he came up with some of the things he said. Mike was a big sports fan. He would spend his Saturdays cheering on the Razorbacks. From football season to basketball, and even baseball, he was the Arkansas Razorbacks' number-one fan. Growing up, Mike played all kinds of sports. He mainly played football, basketball, and baseball. He would also tell you that he made the All-Star Team in every sport that he played. Mike enjoyed playing golf with his buddies, watching sports, relaxing in his pool, and spending time with his wife Laurie and daughter Berkley.

Mike’s visitation is Thursday, September 14th from 5-7 pm at Edwards Funeral Home in the Chapel. His celebration of life is scheduled for 2 p.m., Friday, September 15th, at Edwards Funeral Home in the Chapel. It will be officiated by Chad Overton from Harvest Time church. The family has asked that everyone wears Razorback red, or Razorback apparel to Mike’s funeral on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s memory may be made to Girls Inc.,1415 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, AR 72901 or go to www.girlsincfortsmith.org or The Boys and Girls Club, 6015 Boys Club Lane, Fort Smith, AR 72908 or go to [email protected].