Nelvin Eugene Cooper

He was preceded in death by Rachel Matthews Cooper on March 4th, 2018 at home with him by her side, her last words being 'I love you' as he held her hand. She was his college sweetheart and beautiful wife of 65 years. He is survived by three children, Donna Burke and her husband Thomas, Thomas Cooper and his wife Julia, and Susan Cooper. He has 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren all of whom he was very proud of.

He earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Elon College where he was a three sport letterman in basketball, baseball and golf, and a Masters degree from UNC. In addition, he served in the US Army. He began a professional baseball career in 1949 and was active for seven seasons in both the Boston Braves and Cincinnati Reds organizations. He worked at NCSU in several capacities from 1958-1998, serving as head soccer coach, assistant baseball coach and teaching Physical Education. Many may remember him from his role as the Cary American Legion baseball coach from 1974-1978. He also officiated ACC basketball, football, and soccer and taught at Campbell University's golf and basketball camps. He was a faithful member of Cary First United Methodist Church for over 6O years and a long-time participant in their Men's Bible Study group in the “log-cabin.”

He is dearly missed, and yet is certainly so happy on the other side in the arms of his wife whom he missed so fiercely. 8 am March 3rd, 2023 was surely such a sweet homecoming into her arms.. as perhaps, just perhaps, WSM Radio played Vince Gill's.. 'Just Look at Us'

Services will be private.

Arrangements are by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary’s Street, Raleigh.