Grady Cooper

Grady Bricen Cooper, 76, of Paragould, passed from this life on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. He was the son of the late Everett and Oma Songer Cooper and was the oldest of nine children. Grady graduated from Stanford High School in 1966 and proudly served in the United States Army. On March 9, 1969, he married the love of his life, Kaylene (he liked to call her Katie) Bryson. Two years later in April 1971, Grady and Kaye welcomed their first daughter. Little did Grady know that within the next eight years, he and Kaye would be blessed with four more daughters (two sets of twins) resulting in him being the only man in the house, pampered by his girls, and a well-dressed Dad (except for the perm – wasn’t a lot we could do about that). Grady was a member of the Paragould Church of God where he served on the Pastor’s Council for 23 years. He retired from Tenneco Automotive as a Quality Engineer after 30 years of service.

Grady enjoyed watching basketball, especially if his girls were playing (he thoroughly enjoyed coaching from the stands). He was a “Jack of all Trades” guy who would often spend time in his earlier years fixing up old cars. He enjoyed working in the yard and tinkering in his shop. Grady was an avid reader and loved to spend time watching westerns and listening to the oldies. Grady was the most loving husband, father, and papa. He was the epitome of servanthood, and he leaves behind a legacy of selfless giving and faithful stewardship. Grady is already so desperately missed.

Grady was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kaye Cooper; five daughters, Carrie (Dewitt, Jr.) Fortune of Augusta, Arkansas, Kelly Stewart of Paragould, Shelly Wilkins of Paragould, Ashley (Brandon) Mason of Marmaduke, and Amber (Adam) Ellis of Searcy; two grandsons, Bricen Wilkins and Tripp Fortune; four brothers, Keith (Mary Jo) Cooper, Bruce (Teresa) Cooper, and Randy (Lola) Cooper all of Paragould, and Kevin (Angel) Cooper-Gonzalez of Dallas, Texas; four sisters, Elaine (Stanley) Clark of Paragould, Vicky Hunt of Woodward, Oklahoma, Diane Cooper of Paragould, and Cindy (Jeff) Coleman of Rector; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 11am-1pm at Heath Funeral Home. The funeral begins at 1pm with Rev. Gary Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Pallbearers are Shane Cleveland, Adam Ellis, Dewitt Fortune, Jr., Tripp Fortune, Brandon Mason, Bricen Wilkins, and Jeremy Wilkins. Honorary pallbearers are Brad Andrews, Don Andrews, Keith Hutchison, Harold McIllwain, Alan Parson, Donnie Joe Slatton, and Johnny Weaver. In lieu of flowers, please consider Rock Steady Boxing at St. Bernard's Health and Wellness, 1416 East Matthews Avenue, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401.