Andrew James Cooper, age 95, passed away Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 surrounded by his family and devoted friends.
He was born March 31, 1920 in Tallassee, Ala., the last of 10 children born to Margaret Elizabeth (Maggie) Boles and Andrew James Cooper Sr.
As a youth he grew up on a small farm in Macon County, Ala., and was taught to work hard to accomplish much. As a result it was his ambition to be successful in whatever he did.
His mother and grandmother were devout Christians and taught him from childhood to attend church and to love the Lord.
Andrew had genuine smile, a gentle mild manner and was a true Southern gentleman, a man of high morals standards and was more than willing to help anyone in need. He was very complimentary of anyone who did well in any undertaking.
His father died when Andrew was 14 and it was his responsibility to help take care of his mother and handicapped brother. He was a very loving and caring husband, father and grandfather.
Andrew is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Agnes Segrest Cooper; two children, Anita Ann Scott of Gulf Shores, Ala., Andrew David (Tammy) Cooper, Bay Minette, Ala.; grandchildren, Amanda Casey (Cory) LeDoux of Lafayette, La., Lindsey Ann (Chris) Ward of Eugene Ore., Whitney Ashton Scott of Gulf Shores, Ala., Andrew David (Tracey) Cooper of Citronelle, Ala., James Michael (Sarah) Cooper of Gulf Shores, Ala.; his great-grandchildren, Bryce Cooper Scott, Ava Grace Ward, Andrew David Cooper III, Kaitlyn Cooper, Trinity Cooper and Cameron Cooper.
He attended public schools in Macon County, Ala. He finished high school at Tuskegee High School and worked for a short time with WPA and then with Bridges Cotton Co. in Tuskegee, Ala.
Andrew was inducted into the Army on Oct. 19, 1942 and was separated on Oct. 16, 1945. From February 1944 to March 1945 he served in the European Theater of Operations with the 9th Infantry Division, Third Army as a technical sergeant, platoon leader.
His combat service was in Normandy, Northern France, Battle of the Bulge and Rhineland. Andrew was wounded twice and was awarded the Purple Heart and Oak Leaf Cluster. He also received the following decorations and citations: Europe-Africa-Middle East Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American campaign, Army Good Conduct, Marksman Expert Shooting, Combat infantry Badge, Presidential Unit Citation and the Bronze Star medal for Meritorious Achievement in active ground combat against the enemy on 18th of June 1944.
After returning from the military service Andrew worked with the State of Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs for 12 years. In 1959 he resigned work with the state to accept employment with Alabama Exchange Bank, Tuskegee, Ala.
He attended the University of Alabama Extension classes in Montgomery and other course related to banking including a course in bank operations and management while working at Alabama Exchange Bank.
In 1967 he moved to Troy, Ala. and accepted the position of vice president with First Farmers & Merchant National Bank, serving as public relations, personnel and loan officer. In 1973 he moved to Gulf Shores to accept the position of president & CEO to open the first full service bank in Gulf Shores.
He retired from banking in 1984 with a total of 26 years in the banking industry.
He served in the House of Representatives (state legislature) from Macon County, Ala. for one term and then elected legislative agent. He resigned this position in 1968.
He has served as chairman of cancer campaigns, March of Dimes and many other community projects and the USS Alabama Battleship Commission for 16 years, being appointed by three governors. After retiring from this position, he was given the title of commissioner emeritus.
He was elected to Gulf Shores City Council for four years. He is a life member of American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Purple Heart and Disabled American Veterans Associations.
Andrew has led a full and productive life and has spent much time doing volunteer work for the community, charitable organizations and his church.
On Andrew’s 90th birthday celebration, Robert Craft, mayor of Gulf Shores, proclaimed March 27, 2010 as Andrew Cooper Day.
Funeral services for Mr. Andrew Cooper will be held Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015 at the First Baptist Church of Gulf Shores starting at 11 a.m., with time for visitation one hour prior to the service.
There will also be a second funeral service held at Pleasant Springs Baptist Church in Tuskegee, Ala. starting 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015, with a time for visitation one hour prior to the service.
Burial will take place in Pleasant Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Alabama Baptist Children’s Home, or to Pleasant Springs Baptist Church, Tuskegee, Ala.
Arrangements made by Pine Rest Funeral Home Inc.
