William Cooper Obituary

Dear Trudie and the entire staff at Southeastern Galleries,
My deepest condolences go out to each of you for the loss of your dear sweet leader. Mr. Cooper was always such a kind and caring gentleman. Whenever we crossed paths at the store weather in the warehouse or on the floor, he greeted me with such warm acceptance. Most of our visits were in the warehouse while I was working on a piece of furniture. We talked about what a great business retail furniture is and how it has changed over the years. He listened to some of my stories about my family's furniture business. He always complemented me on my work. I will miss his sharp eye for excellence as I know all of you at Southeastern Galleries will. My heart goes out to you all.

Dear Rick, Randy, Trudie, Norman, Billy and Ashley and families,
I was so saddened to hear of your Dad's passing. What an amazing man- When I first met him I was a recent college graduate, a young, ambitious and idealistic 23 year old. Although an unlikely candidate for a position at the renowned Southeastern Galleries, Bill Cooper not only took a chance on me but welcomed me with open arms and took me under his wing. Your dad taught me so much, not only the 5 rules of selling but also the attributes it takes to run a thriving business, not the least of which, to treat customers (and all people) with respect. As I went on to open Worthwhile, I often recalled his many words of wisdom and was thankful to have had him as my first mentor in the world of retail. I have so many great memories of your wonderful family and my years at Southeastern- from way back in 1984 at the old location! Please know how much I loved and respected your dad. I send my sincerest condolences.
Robben Richards

Uncle Billy and my Dad Thomas loved to fish for speckled trout together. Indeed, my Dad loved speckled trout fishing so much that Billy and I would always be in competition to who would get to go every late fall weekend since both Billy's and my Dad's boats would best hold just two fishermen. Billy's "secret spot" on Castle Pinkney was always a trip my dad couldn't resist. Besides being great fishermen, Billy and Thomas Cooper are the two most honorable men I have met in my life. John Cooper

Uncle Billy and my Dad Thomas loved to fish for speckled trout together. Indeed, my Dad loved speckled trout fishing so much that Billy and I would always be in competition to who would get to go every late fall weekend since both Billy's and my Dad's boats would best hold just two fishermen. We fished the Wando and the Cooper rivers and Billy fished the Ashley and Cooper rivers. Billy's "secret spot" on Castle Pinkney was always a trip my dad couldn't resist. Besides being great fishermen, Billy and Thomas Cooper are the two most honorable men I have met in my life.
John Cooper

My sincere condolences to the family. Mr Cooper was such a kind person and I truly enjoyed working with him over the years as a customer at Southeastern. My mother was a college buddy of both Bill and Trudie and I have heard many stories about those days. ( all good!) He will be sorely missed.

Dear Rick, Randy, Norman, Trudie, Billy, and Ashley,

Your Dad was the finest example of a true Southern Gentleman I ever had the privilege of knowing. It was no surprise at all to learn that his classmates at The Citadel voted him the recipient of the John I. Willson Ring. Our mutual friend Larry McKay introduced me to your Dad shortly after I moved to Charleston 43 years ago, and from that moment on he always had a big smile and a kind word each time we saw each other. When my father passed away two years ago, Mr. Cooper sent me a handwritten sympathy note that I still treasure to this day. He was a genuine gift to Charleston, The Citadel, and South Carolina, and he’s going to be sadly missed by the thousands of people whose lives he touched throughout his career. Thanks for sharing him with all of us for so many years.

Billy and I send our deepest sympathy for your loss. We pray your fondest memories will comfort you.

Beth Barnwell

My sincere condolences go out to Mr. Cooper's children, grandchildren & entire family. Mr. Cooper was the best. I so enjoyed working with him for many, many years . He was a true Southern gentleman. He always considered, (and so did I and The Post and Courier), that Southeastern Galleries and The Post and Courier were a true partnership. And that we are. God Bless You Mr. Cooper.

What an incredible man your father, grandfather and great grandfather was and what an admirable legacy he leaves as he joins "Mimi." May you find peace, comfort and all the love you need in the days to come.

I was so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. I was born the year Billy graduated from the Citadel so I really appreciated the lovely obituary, filling me in on his wonderful history. He had so much to be proud of but he was always so very kind, gentle, and down to earth. I enjoyed being with Billy and Trudie, and was always happy to take on the challenge of being their occasional babysitter. I know how much we will all miss Billy but know he is with the love of his life for eternity. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy.

Cannon- Cooper Family,
Our family sends you our prayers and condolences for the loss of your father. We never had a chance to meet your parents in person but feel like we do as we know and love Norma and John Palms. The Palms told of us so many wonderful stories. The strong Catholic faith your parents shared with everyone by their words and actions is an example we all need to follow by example. We will be watching your father's Mass.

He was never to busy to come over and say hello when we were in the store as customers; quite a nice guy; Lowell and Barbara Epstein

Many years ago I was a Detective with the Charleston Police Department. I worked a case for Mr. Cooper involving theft from his store. He wrote a glowing letter of appreciation for the job that several others and I did. His letter was a bright spot in my career and no money or fame in the world could have replaced the great tribute and kind thanks that he expressed in that letter. May he rest in peace and forever be rewarded in the eternal presence of God.

My condolences to the Cooper family.

Bill was such a fine gentleman - always so friendly, kind, and generous. I am so sorry for your great loss.

Dear Cooper Family,

Like so many in the Charleston region I was saddened to read about Bill’s death. For more than 50 years I knew him, admired him, and respected him as a friend and a community leader. To me, he embodied the words integrity, civility, and honesty. My thanks to you for recounting in the obituary section of the newspaper his many accomplishments as well as his devotion to family. Certainly, Charleston is better off because of his involvement. Please accept my deepest sympathy during your time of bereavement.

Sincerely,
John

We are greatly saddened to learn of the passing of this truly wonderful gentleman. We will miss him tremendously.

Deepest sympathy and compassion to the Cooper family.
Beverly & Joe

Mr. Cooper was the truest of gentlemen. He is greatly missed.

My deepest condolences to Bill's family. He will be missed

Sincere condolences on the death of Mr. Cooper. They are now together again in eternal bliss.

Prayers for the family. My mother, Lila, always considered your father one of her favorite cousins. Your father was always one of the nicest people that I knew. A beautiful tribute for a wonderful person.

The Cooper Family:

God bless your dear father and God bless all of you.

Sincerely,
Allen Young