Willie Sam Cooper

Willie Sam Cooper, 87, of Ypsilanti, Michigan, passed away at home on January 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 18, 1938, in Haywood County, Tennessee to the late Sam Cooper and Mealie Vaughn Cooper.

He graduated from Lauderdale High School in Ripley, Tennessee, and later attended Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where he completed three years of study. Willie was a very hard worker and spent over 30 years working with several companies as a Certified Carpet Master Installer. Among his many accomplishments, he was a part of the team that helped install the first official turf at the University of Michigan’s Football Stadium, also known as “The Big House.” He was known for his strong work ethic, skill, and reliability.

Willie enjoyed reading his Bible, playing computer games, and watching sports on television. In his earlier years, he was an avid bowler. He was gifted with his hands and could fix just about anything, if there was work to be done, you could always call Willie. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. Whether attending graduations, athletic events, birthdays, teaching them how to drive, visiting them when they were sick, or having long phone conversations about life, Willie was always there.

Willie was a resident of the close-knit community at Clark East Towers for almost 20 years. He was a devoted member of Ypsilanti Community Bible Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Willie was truly a stranger to no one, and he was liked and loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He never missed an opportunity to stop, chat, and ask, “Who your family was?” and more often than not, he already knew them. Whether he was helping with handiwork around the house, babysitting while you were out of town, offering advice, or making you laugh with one of his many stories, Willie was always willing to help someone in need. Sometimes his energy, his presence, or simply his smile was all that was needed to make everything feel alright. No matter how or when you knew him, Willie had the gift of conversation, his voice, his stories, and his wisdom remain a lasting part of his legacy. He was the calm in the storm, the best part of your favorite day, the laughter before the tears, and the wisdom you never knew you needed.

Preceding Willie in death are his parents, Sam Cooper and Mealie Vaughn Cooper; his second wife, Faustina Cooper; his son, Samuel Cooper; and special lifelong friends, Barbara Luke and Alice Wilson.

Remaining to cherish Willie’s memory are his children: Reginald (Deborah) Cooper of Tampa, FL; Debra Lopez of Knoxville, TN; Theresa Mason of Crescent City, FL; Douglas (Darlene) Cooper of Providence, RI; Crystal (Steve) Bennett of Jacksonville, FL; Gary Cooper of Crescent City, FL; and Wil-Deyon (Jenny) Cooper of Ypsilanti, MI; his first wife, Agnes (James – deceased) Barnes of Crescent City, FL; and mother of his two youngest children, Peggy Williams; his siblings, Stella (Robert) White of Ypsilanti, MI; Joann (Eddie – deceased) Bonds of Pontiac, MI; Charles Cooper (Lillian) of Ripley, TN; Larry Cooper of Ripley, TN; Ronnie Cooper of Ripley, TN; and Ricky Cooper of Ripley, TN. Willie was also a loving father to Kevan Wilson, Helen Elaine Wilson Hall, Dale Wilson (deceased), Pamela Wilson, LaVonda Wilson, and Wendy Wilson.

Willie is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, family, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., and funeral services will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., both at C & H Community Home for Funerals Lucille's Memorial Chapel, 411 S. Adams Street, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Interment will immediately follow at United Memorial Gardens, 4800 Curtis Road, Plymouth, MI 48170.

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