Fallen Hero: Retired Sergeant First Class Homer George Cooper, Jr.

Philadelphia, MS

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Funeral Home

McClain-Hays Funeral Home

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Obituary

Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:

Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”.

In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero.  Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.

Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on September 10, 2025, and has moved on to his heavenly home. Retired Sergeant First Class , Homer George Cooper, Jr., age 82, who had served and worked fulltime in the 298th Corps Support Battalion has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.

It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country.  A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.

Rest in Peace Soldier.  We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.

You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.

Another great Soldier has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life”.

Obituary, Visitation, and Service Details:

Funeral Services for Homer George Cooper, Jr. will be held Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 2 p.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Bro. Mark Cloys, Bro. Bob Cooper, Bro. Mike Skinner and Bro. Brad Winstead officiating. Interment with follow in Cedarlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 4 to 7 p.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Home.

Homer George Cooper, Jr., age 82, of Philadelphia, Mississippi passed away on September 10, 2025.

Born on June 5, 1943, to Homer George Cooper, Sr. and Margarette Rose [Lundy] Cooper in Hattiesburg, he devoted his life to service, faith, and family. Mr. Cooper served his country with honor throughout a distinguished military career spanning 32 years. His leadership, dedication, and integrity earned the respect of all who served alongside him.

Following his military service, he continued his lifelong commitment to others through faithful service to East Philadelphia Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon, Discipleship Training Leader, and Sunday School Teacher, as well as other roles. His devotion to the Lord, his church, and the community was evident in the many ways he gave of his time and talents.

Above all, Mr. Cooper was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He shared fifty-nine years of marriage with his beloved wife, Mary Jo [Jemison] Cooper, and together they raised three children: Mechelle [Royce] Burson, Priscilla Cooper, Heath [Patty] Cooper. He took great joy in being present for his children’s lives, faithfully attending school programs, sporting events, and family milestones.

That same love and pride carried on to his grandchildren Paige [Cody] Rogers, Ryan [Ashley] Williams, Caitlin Williams, James [Kylie] Spalding, Madison Spalding and great-grandchildren, Lacey Lynn Rogers, Carson Crider, and Haylee Jo Williams. In addition to the aforementioned, Mr. Cooper enjoyed two adopted (in love) granddaughters, Samantha Breazeale and Leah Hamilton. All knew him as a constant source of encouragement, wisdom, and affection. His legacy of faith, service, and devotion to family will be cherished for generations.

In addition to being survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, he is also survived by his siblings, Bob [Ava] Cooper, Joe Cooper, Martha [A.J., deceased] Mitchell, and Bill [Fay] Cooper.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sibling, Dorothy Rushing.

He will also be fondly remembered by many numerous nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Pallbearers will be T.J. Rushing, Trent Butler, John Wilkerson, Dr. Tom Horne, Warren Flake and Jeff Mangrum.