Frank M. Cooper's Obituary
Frank McCloud Cooper Jr., Passed peacefully May 21 with his family at his side as a result of a Hemorrhagic Stroke. Born Columbia, SC December 9 1922 son of Inez Louise(Arnold) and Frank McCloud Cooper Sr. Moved to Miami in 1924 at the age of 2 near Highland Park/Jackson Memorial area. Attended Highland Park Elementary,Robert E Lee. Ada Merritt Jr High and graduated 1941 from Miami High School played basketball & captain of the baseball team. Married his high school sweetheart, Louise, three years later on September 4, 1943. They resided in the city proper and in 1947, he built their home at 5160 NW 4 St at the time considered the edge of the Florida Everglades. He worked at Eastern Airlines for 17 years in machine maintenance and played 3rd base for the Eastern’s semi-pro baseball team. Leaving Eastern in 1958 to go into business with his brothers-in-law Kingman and William(Bill) Rodgers taking over Chastain Fence Co. where he retired in 1988. Only daughter, Linda Louise, was born in 1959, his whole heart and soul.“Daddy’s Girl” who was supposed to be a boy, much to his delight, grew up loving & playing sports as much as he did. Linda blessed him with a granddaughter Melissa Lynne in 1990. Was recognized and very proud in still actively being a Life member of the Masonic Lodge & Mahi Shrine’s Royal Order of the Jesters. He was most proud of his 1000,000 plus miles logged as one original “Roadrunners", who transported disabled children from Miami to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Tampa. He hated that big old white van, but received everlasting joy from knowing he was doing something special for all of those kids. Also belonged to the University of Miami’s Touchdown Club, down to the core Hurricane fan. He loved the races. Horses and especially the “Dogs” and became known as a VIP at Flagler Dog Track not so much for his gambling ways, but the staff and management grew to consider him as family. He knew them all and all about their families. Survived by his loving wife of 70 years Louise, Daughter Linda, Granddaughter & “Grandson” Melissa & Bobby Honeywell, “Brother” Ronald & wife Marcia Rodgers. “Sisters” Jimmie Lou & Patsy Rodgers, Nieces Jackie, Vicki, Terry, Lynn & Earlene along with their extended families. Memorial service will be 4 PM, Saturday, May 25TH at VAN ORSDEL CORAL GABLES, 4600 SW 8th St.
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