Sergeant Major Retired Gerald “Jerry” Cooper of The Villages, FL, passed away in his home on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, after a nine-year battle with cancer. Jerry was born in Oak Hill, WV on March 30, 1936 to Virgil and Virginia Cooper. He retired from the United States Army and also, retired from Surry Nuclear Power Plant in Surry, VA. He moved to The Villages in 2005 to pursue his dream of doing nothing but golfing. He was a member of the American Legion Post 347, Vietnam Veterans of American Village Chapter 1036, Retired Military Family Group and various other clubs in The Villages. Left to cherish his loving memories is his wife Josephine Cooper, daughters: Sherri Darlington of Williamsburg, VA, Paula Tackett of Westfield, IN, Kristina Hugate and son-in-law Dr. Ron Hugate of Highlands Ranch, CO. He had four grandsons: Justin Darlington, Peyton and Quintin Hugate and Seth Tackett. Three granddaughters: Madison and Morgan Tackett and Isabella Hugate. One great granddaughter, Laylin Darlington.
Visitation will be Tuesday, November 22, at Beyers Funeral Home located on route 441 from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to The Villages For Hospice 601 Casa Bella, The Villages, FL 32162-9985.