Fred was preceded in death by his father, Howard Cooper, his mother, Mabel Cooper, his brother, Howard Jr, sister, Irene Wheeler, and his sons, Freddie Lee, Johnnie Ray, and Vernon Cless. Fred's survivors include his wife of 38 years, Judy Cooper, step-sons Timothy Dabney and Paul (Ruby) Dabney, step-daughters Mary (Ronnie) Goss and Martha (Lynn) McLean; grandchildren Ryan Cooper, Eli Dabney, Rachel Dabney, Nathanael McLean, Karis Dabney, Daniel McLean, Michaela Dabney, Anna Dabney, Karsten McLean and Mercedes Goss.
Fred was a father to three boys, whom he loved very much. He was a hard worker, retiring from a nickel plant in Huntington, WV. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fish, and be surrounded by nature. He had many trophies to prove that he was a true sportsman. His love for animals also was seen in his life, as he once hugged a lion, had a pet squirrel and more dogs than one could count.
Fred's life changed dramatically when he met a beautiful young widow named Judy Dabney, in Hurricane, WV. She introduced him to her four children and her Savior, Jesus Christ. Fred received the gift of new life in Jesus on a mountaintop in WV, after hearing the gospel at Teays Valley Baptist Church. This new life eventually included marrying Judy. The two were faithful members of Teays Valley Baptist Church, working with the deaf, enjoying the fellowship of their brothers and sisters in Christ, and participating in the ministries of the church.
Fred loved to dress in colorful suits, for which he became well-known. He was generous to those in need. He was a good and loyal friend. Recently, Fred and Judy moved to Chattanooga, TN to live with and be closer to family and grandchildren.
His service arrangements will be Saturday, September 2, 2023 at New Covenant Fellowship Church in Chattanooga, TN at 10:30 am. Family will receive friends beginning at 9:30. He will be laid to rest in Chattanooga. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made in Fred's memory to one of the following: Teays Valley Baptist Church, the American Heart Association, National Kidney Foundation, or Hospice of Chattanooga.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.
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