Benjamin Cooper Obituary

COOPER, Benjamin Benjamin C. Cooper, Jr., 71, of Charleston, South Carolina, died December 10, 2008 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Cooper was born in Williamsburg County, SC, on June 6, 1937, son of the late Benjamin Cooper, Sr. and the late Ruby Mitchum Cooper. Ben led a full life. He served in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959; he worked for Enterprise Air, Pan American Air and Reeves Broadcasting before he settled in at the Charleston Naval Shipyard where he retired as a nuclear inspector in 1993. Ben is also best known by his friends for Ben's pool cues, a hobby he picked up after retirement. Everyone who knew Ben knew he loved life, had a big sense of humor and he always looked at the bright side of things. He will be missed. Surviving are his former wife, Margaret Campbell of Florence, SC; daughter, Elizabeth Reel and husband Charles of Charleston, SC; son, Benjamin Cooper III and wife Renee; four grandchildren, Shanna, Tara, Courtney and Weatherly Cooper of Marysville, Ohio; sister, Shirley Rothwell of Charleston, SC; and brother, Forest Cooper and wife Annette of Charleston, SC. The family asks in lieu of flowers, memorials in Ben's memory be made to the American Cancer Society and Hospice of Charleston. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 11:30 am at Charleston Baptist Church, 13 San Miguel Rd, Charleston, SC. The family will receive friends in the home of Ben's daughter and son-in-law following the service. Arrangements were made through PALMETTO CREMATION SOCIETY, Charleston, SC. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.