Billy Carlton Cooper

Billy C. Cooper of Chattanooga passed away on September 24, 2024. He was born on June 23, 1928 to the late Buie and Dollie Patten Cooper in Nashville, Georgia. He was one of 26 graduates from the Lanier County High School and enrolled in the pre-engineering program at South Georgia College.

Billy joined the U.S. Army and attained the rank of Corporal while serving in the Asian and Pacific theaters. Upon return to the states, Billy entered Auburn University and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. He was recruited to Chattanooga by the city engineer and during this time met the former Sue Nye, whom he would marry in 1957.

Billy became the Director of Urban Renewal for the City of Chattanooga and took great pride in one of the most significant project of that era: the Golden Gateway Urban Renewal project.

Later, Billy became the Executive Director of the Chattanooga Housing Authority, a position he held for 34 years. During his tenure, over 1000 units of low income housing were constructed and the Orchard Knob and UTC Urban Renewal Projects were also implemented. Under his careful direction, small cluster homes were developed in Glenwood as well as North Brainerd to provide housing for the elderly.

Billy was also very engaged within the city he loved so much. He served as Past President of the Chattanooga Chapter of the American Society of Engineers; Past President of the Tennessee Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (Southeast Tennessee District); and, was appointed by former Governor Lamar Alexander to serve on the Tennessee Housing Development Agency.

Billy served as Mayor of Ridgeside for three terms and served on the Hamilton County Water & Wastewater Treatment Authority for more than 20 years. He was an active member of the First Centenary United Methodist Church and enjoyed worship in the Morgan Sunday School Class.

Billy was pre-deceased by his parents as well as his sisters, Martha Blanton and Jeanette Cooper. He is also pre-deceased by his wife Sue, as well as his second wife, Jo Evelyn Ward Cooper.

Billy is survived by his daughter, Deborah Cooper (Stephen) Lee and granddaughter Elizabeth (Alex) Coe.

Services for Billy will be held at the Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel at 12:30 pm on Friday September 27, 2024 with the Rev. Michelle Hunter conducting the services. The family will receive friends beginning at 11:30 am prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Forest Hills Cemetery.

In lieu of flower, donations may be sent to First Centenary United Methodist Church or to a charity of one's choosing that makes a difference in the lives of others.

Please share your thoughts and memories online with the family at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.

Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel has been entrusted with his arrangements.