Scott V. Cooper

Scott passed away on March 16 following a courageous battle with cancer. Larger than life, he excelled at everything he touched. A loving, devoted husband, nurturing father, record setting marketing representative, selfless volunteer and storyteller extraordinaire. Many were fortunate to call Scott, “my best friend.”

Scott is survived by the love of his life, Julie Coyner Cooper, his wife of 31 years. He is also survived by two beautiful daughters, Stephanie Cooper and Savannah Cooper, both of Charlotte, NC; his parents, B.V. and Shirley Cooper, of Chapel Hill, NC; sisters, Leslie Cooper of Marietta, GA and Maria (Joe) Morrone; and his niece, Anika Morrone of Carrboro, NC. He also leaves behind a heavyhearted Coyner family and hundreds of heartbroken best friends.

Scott deeply loved all three of his girls. Truly best friends, it is fitting Scott and Julie’s song is James Taylor’s “You’ve Got A Friend.” Scott often said Julie and he “worked” because they filled gaps. Where Scott looked for results, Julie gave perspective. When Julie thought life could not get any better, Scott continued to dream. Always a team, the two saw the world together, happy to include everyone in their circle of joy and laughter.

Scott adored his two daughters, affectionately calling them “Thing One” and “Thing Two,” or occasionally, “Monkeybutt.” He scheduled daddy daughter dates with them even into adulthood, and continuously tells them how much he loves them. Always leading by example, he showed the girls how to succeed, how to treat others, how to be treated and how to truly live life to the fullest. Scott loved to make them laugh, gave them great advice, shared wonderful music, and taught them how to cheer for his Tennessee Volunteers.

Born in Marietta, GA, Scott grew up in ten different cities over thirteen years. Scott used these moves to learn how to make friends quickly, a trait he carried with him throughout his personal and professional life. Growing up, Scott played many sports, was an accomplished motorcycle racer, and published poetry writer. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia’s Clinch Valley College.

Few are so fortunate to find their true calling and enjoy a career as rewarding and accomplished as Scott’s. He was with Federated Mutual Insurance Company for 33 years. He served as a trusted teammate and mentor to many and leaves behind many long-term clients who loved and respected him. He combined a deep knowledge of the industry, world-class relationship skills and the highest level of customer service. In 2015, he received the prestigious Chairman’s Career Award, being only the 14th person in the history of Federated to receive it.

He was a fierce competitor, yet won with humility. The only thing Scott liked better than winning was when you were winning with him. To Scott, it didn’t matter if you were top shelf or bottom rung, everyone held equal opportunity friend potential.

A dedicated member of Grace Community Church, Scott generously donated his time and talents. He traveled to Mexico with church members through Faith Ministry on many occasions to build houses for families in need. On these trips, Scott found the experience to be humbling and rewarding. As always, new lifelong friendships were formed.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, March 23 at 1:00 pm at Grace Community Church, 6561 Meridian Drive, Raleigh, NC 27616. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Faith Ministry at faithministry.org/give/. Please check “Dedicate this gift to a friend or loved one” and designate “Scott Cooper.”