Lawrence Emory Cooper Jr., age 82, Gloucester Point, son of the late Lawrence and Mamie Cooper of Markham, died at his home Wednesday, May 9, 2018.

He was born on Feb. 29, 1936 in Bassett, and graduated from Warren County High School in Front Royal, class of 1955. Larry attended Texas A&M University and proudly graduated from Newport News Apprentice School in 1961. He retired from the Shipyard in 1993 after 37 plus years.

Before moving to Gloucester Point in 1997, Larry was a member of the Warwick Yacht and Country Club for 32 years; a member of the Propeller Club and past president of the Peninsula Salt Water Sport Fisherman’s Association. He was a former member of Hidenwood Presbyterian Church, and was currently a member of Bethany United Methodist Church at Gloucester Point.   

Larry was an avid fisherman and took great pride in building and repairing fishing rods. He loved the beautiful view of watching wildlife and fishing boats from living on Sarah’s Creek. He very much enjoyed exercising and fellowship at the Riverside Wellness Center. Reading was another favorite pastime, as well as building furniture from the walnut fence on his parents’ property. He loved spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife and the best fishing buddy of 60 years, Nancy Cooper; daughter, Stacy Bowman and husband Richard of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina; son, Tray Cooper and wife Jackie of Gloucester; grandchildren, Corey Cooper, Courtney Cooper and Zach Bowman; sister, Linda Rilee of Stephen City; brother-in-law, Paul Baker of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and his little bodyguard “Caesar.”

A memorial service, conducted by the Rev. Mike Derflinger, was held at 3 p.m. Friday, May 11, 2018, at Hogg Funeral Home. The family received friends from 2-3 before the service.

Should friend’s desire, memorial contributions may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 527, Gloucester Point, Va. 23062 or a charity of choice.