Belton Youngblood Cooper Jr.

Belton was born in Birmingham, Alabama on August 16, 1958, son of the late Belton Youngblood Cooper and Rebecca Bowers Cooper. He grew up in Mountain Brook and was a graduate of Mountain Book High School in 1976. He attended The University of Virginia where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 1980. He was also a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law and a member of the Alabama Bar Association.

Belton worked at the Herman Williams Company, alongside his father, for 17 years. He also worked as a real estate consultant and legal researcher. Belton was a member of Birmingham Historical Society and served on the board for Ruffner Mountain. Through-out his life, he was an ardent and perpetual student of history. Reading and researching were his passions. Belton was particularly interested in deep, meaningful conversations; and he showed his interest in educating young people about architecture, history and politics, especially his nephews and godchildren. He was incredibly loyal to his family and friends, displaying a dedication to and nurturing of long-term relationships.

Belton was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his devoted wife, Debra Baxter Cooper, the love of his life; brother Lloyd Cooper and his wife Jane, nephews Bo and Wilson; brother Spencer Cooper and his wife Heather, nephews Maxwell and Gra-ham, all of Birmingham.

For their loyal care and devotion to Belton during his illness, the family is deeply in-debted to and would like to thank Dr. Brian Adler, Dr. Frank Dumas, and the staff at the Brookwood Cancer Care Center; Dr. Keith Swetz and Jackie Palmore, RN, at UAB Hospice and Palliative Care Center; Alex Wilson, RN, of Comfort Care Hospice; and in-home caregivers Vera McKenzie and Shan Evans. Belton and Debra are blessed to have many family and friends who prayed and visited during Belton’s courageous battle and will always be grateful to them.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at noon at St. Mary’s-on-the-Highlands Episcopal Church followed by interment at Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the church in the Drennen Hall Living Room starting at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests any memorial gifts be made to the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1824 Sixth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294.