Johnny Cooper

Johnny Cooper, longtime Terrell resident, passed away on Jan. 3, 2024. Johnny was born to Glenna Coultas Cooper and Johnny Hal Cooper in Dallas, Texas, September 17, 1946 and was lovingly raised by his grandparents, William Leslie and Grace Cates. Johnny was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, sister, Glenna Aline and sister-in-law, Glenda Killian. Growing up in Terrell, Johnny was very active in athletics especially football and track during his high school years and he was also active in First Baptist Church as a young man. After graduating, he served six years in the Army National Guard of Texas and Army Reserve from 1966 to 1972. On December 28, 1968, Johnny married Lea Ann Dudley and in 1974, they welcomed their son, Craig Cooper, after which he and Lea Ann welcomed their second child, a daughter, Jennifer Cooper, in 1978. After living in the Dallas area for 5 years Johnny and LeaAnn made their home in Terrell where they were active in the community. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time at Oak Grove Country Club with many of his close friends. Johnny also served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America from 1984 through 1987 and was awarded The Order of the Arrow for his dedication to Troop 391. Johnny started in the construction business in the 80’s with his brother Royce Cooper and later started a successful partnership with Clyde Scott. They built many homes, churches, and businesses in and around Terrell, many of which can still be seen today as wonderful testaments to a thriving community that has grown exponentially since Johnny was a young man. In 1997, Johnny fulfilled a dream of acquiring land and building a country home north of his beloved hometown of Terrell. He enjoyed spending countless hours tending to his cows, riding through the open pastures, and teaching his grand kids how to fish, hunt, camp and drive the Kubota. In 2022, he retired to Grapevine where he and Lea Ann both moved closer to share in the lives of his children and grandchildren. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, Johnny’s legacy for his family will continue to be forever cherished. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lea Ann Cooper of Grapevine; his son Craig Cooper and wife Jennifer of Keller; his daughter Jennifer Daniel and husband Sam of Grapevine; five grandchildren: Bennett Cooper, Grace Cooper and Maggie Cooper of Keller and Emily Daniel and Logan Daniel of Grapevine; brother, Royce Cooper and wife Brenda of Lantana, TX and his sister-in-law Robby McGinnis and her husband Noble of Sugar Land; brother-in-law, Wesley Killian of Terrell along with nieces, nephews, other extended family and many friends, each of whom will greatly miss Johnny. A Celebration of Life will be 4:00PM, Friday, Jan. 12, 2024 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with his family receiving friends beginning at 3:00pm to service time. For those wishing, the family suggests memories in honor of Johnny be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation at https://wish.org/ntx or to Campground Cemetery, PO Box 369, Terrell, TX, 75160.

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Johnny Cooper

September 17, 1946 - January 3, 2024