William Joseph "Joey" Cooper

William “Joey” Cooper
Steens, MS

William J. “Joey” Cooper, 57, of Steens, MS passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 from injuries sustained in an industrial accident. Joey, as he was known to everyone, was born on October 12, 1958 in Macon, MS. He grew up in Shuqualak, MS and was a graduate of Central Academy in Macon, MS, in the Class of 1976. In high school, Joey was an outstanding football player and an excellent student. During this time he also developed a love for the outdoors, including all types of hunting and fishing. Joey was an excellent shot with rifle, shotgun or pistol. During the time of the initial Tennessee-Tombigbee River impoundment, he and his friends spent many enjoyable hours bass fishing on the new lakes. Joey continued to enjoy high school sports after graduation and was the videographer for the team for many years. Joey loved handling and riding horses and was also a talented farrier in his spare time. Joey was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Macon for many years before transferring to New Salem Baptist Church in Steens, MS where he was active as a youth leader. Joey loved spending time with his family and hunting with his sons. Joey was always known to be a true friend that you could count on and one who would help those in need in any way that he could.

After graduation from high school, Joey began working as a brick-layer’s assistant to a master brick mason in the local area. He quickly became an accomplished brick mason himself and pursued this career for several years before going to work for Delta Macon Brick Co. Joey worked for Delta Macon and it’s sister company, Delta Shuqualak, for several years until starting to work at Columbus Brick Company after the two plants closed. At Columbus Brick, Joey was a mill supervisor.

Joey is survived by his wife: Rhonda H. Cooper of Steens, MS; his three sons: Kyle Cooper (Baker) of Caledonia, MS and Sam and Justin Cooper of Steens. He is also survived by his parents: Ronald and Shirley Sciple of Shuqualak, MS ; one sister: Christy Burks (Buddy) of Columbus, MS and one brother: Ronnie “Bodock” Sciple (Carol) of Shuqualak, MS. Three grand-children: Ridge, Zoey, and Mallie Cooper also survive him.

The funeral service for William “Joey” Cooper will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 3:00 P.M. at Calvary Baptist Church in Macon. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. There will also be a visitation at New Salem Baptist Church at Steens, MS from 5:30 until 7:30 on Friday, Dec. 11, 2015. An interment service in Salem Memorial Cemetery in Macon will follow the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials please be sent to New Salem Baptist Church Youth Ministry 7086 Wolf Road Columbus, MS 39705.
Cockrell Funeral Home of Macon, MS (www.cockrellfuneralhome.com) is entrusted with the arrangements.