Ralph Walton “Joe” Cooper Jr., 78, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023 after a long battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Born and raised in Lancaster, SC, he was the son of the late Ralph W. Cooper, Sr. and Bernadine Buckelew Cooper.
Joe served his country with the U.S. Marines before joining the South Carolina Highway Patrol in 1967. Originally assigned to Marion County, advancing through the ranks to Captain of Highway Patrol District One. He served as the Deputy Director of the South Carolina Transport Police until his retirement.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Rice Cooper of Irmo, SC; son, Ralph W. Cooper, Jr. “Trey” (Angie) of Marion, SC; daughter, Allyson Larrimore (Warren) of Conway, SC; stepchildren, Amy Lewis (Mark) and David Helms (Amanda) of SC; sisters, Bernadine “Bunny” King and Barbara Adams of Lancaster, SC and Naomi Goetzel (Mike) of Columbia, SC; sister in law, Pam Tronco Greenfield of Lexington, SC; grandchildren, Trevor, Karson, Joshua and Reece Larrimore of Conway, SC; Matthew and Ainsley Helms of Columbia, SC; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at St. Michael Lutheran Church, 400 River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. The family will receive friends following the service in the Fellowship Hall at St. Michael Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Michael Lutheran Church.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the Cooper family.
