Obituary of George Nathaniel Cooper, Sr.

George Nathaniel “Buzz” Cooper, Sr., 90, of Moneta, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at his home, joining his beloved wife of sixty-seven years, Marjorie Givens Cooper. He is survived by his son, George N. Cooper, Jr. and wife, Gloria of Moneta; his daughter, Anne C. Long and husband, Gary of Moneta; his grandchildren, Jennifer Cooper Stuckey and husband, Chris, Nate Cooper and wife, Stacy, Beth Cooper, Hunter Long and wife, Faith; his great grandchildren, Olivia Stuckey, Joel Stuckey, Campbell Cooper, Charlie Ann Cooper, Parker Long, and Joy Long; his sisters, Louise Harris and Peggy Friend, and his brother, Bobby Cooper.

Buzz was born on May 22, 1928, a son of the late H. L. and Rhodessa Cooper, the fourth of eight children. The moment he valued most in his life was when, at twelve years old, he was saved. After high school, he owned a country store in Moneta where he met his bride who taught at the school next door. In 1955, Buzz started an agency with State Farm Insurance with zero clients and built it to one of the most successful in the area. He ran his agency for thirty-eight years, retiring in 1993. He was a faithful member of Morgans Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, sang in the choir, and fulfilled many other roles. Active in his community, he was a member of the Ruritan club, Moneta Volunteer Fire Department, the board at Moneta Medical Center, the board at Bedford Federal Savings Bank, and the Bedford Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the Virginia Baptist Hospital board for several years. Buzz loved his church, loved his community, and loved his family above all else.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Morgans Baptist Church, 2086 Morgans Church Road, Bedford, VA 24523. 

The family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Morgans Baptist Church, and a funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Jason Arthur and the Rev. Tommy Speight officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.