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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF THE REVEREND CHARLES DOUGLAS COOPER OF FLORENCE COUNTY, AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of the Reverend Charles D. (Pete) Cooper on December 7, 2016; and
Whereas, born in Lancaster and reared in the Great Falls and Clinton communities, he earned a bachelor's degree from The Citadel where he was a proud member of the Class of 1967. He also received postgraduate degrees from Furman University and the University of the South (Sewanee); and
Whereas, Reverend Cooper was ordained in the Episcopal Church in 1981, and served in the United States Marine Corps as a chaplain. He also worked as a priest, teacher, coach, and chaplain, and he served as an assistant headmaster of several schools, beginning with Christ Church Episcopal School in Greenville and ending with Trinity Byrnes Collegiate School near Florence; and
Whereas, devoted to all of his church families, he pastored churches in several parishes as an assistant and as rector, starting at St. John's Church in Columbia and retiring as rector of St. John's Church in Florence after twenty years. He continued to serve the Episcopal Church he loved after his retirement, serving as the interim at The Church of the Ascension in Hagood until the time of his death. He had previously ministered at St. David's in Cheraw and St. Cyprian's in Lufkin, Texas; and
Whereas, Reverend Cooper was dedicated to working in the community. In response to numerous accolades for his service over the years, his constant reply was, "Thanks to the Lord and to the many other people more deserving." Reverend Cooper said the greatest reward was seeing parishioners and others become engaged in community service as leaders and volunteers; and
Whereas, together with his beloved and faithful wife of forty-seven years, Elizabeth Blair Blackwell Cooper, he reared three fine children: Gordon Wade Cooper, Ashley Blair Cooper Scott, and Elizabeth Lyles Cooper Lyles. These children blessed him with the affection of six grandchildren: Savannah, Gracie, Charlie, Ford, Dennis, and Woods; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and legacy of Reverend Pete Cooper and for the example of service and kindness he set for all who knew him. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of the Reverend Charles Douglas Cooper of Florence County and extend their deepest sympathy to his large and loving family and his many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of the Reverend Charles Douglas Cooper.
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