Dwight Franklin Cooper
1915-2006

Dwight Franklin Cooper, 91 years old, left this earthly life to join the heavenly host on Wednesday, November 01, 2006. He was the son of Sarah Blevins Cooper and Newton L. Cooper of Ashe County, North Carolina.

He spent his boyhood and early adult years in Ashe County, moving to Galax, Virginia, in 1945 to work in the Vaughan Furniture Factory. Dwight worked over 30 years for Vaughan, becoming a foreman for the furniture company.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Blanche Gaultney Cooper, and his second wife, Ruth Worrell Cooper, who died September 18, 2006. Also preceding him in death were his beloved sons, Jerry Dwight Cooper and Lowell Dale Cooper.

He is survived by his daughter, Shirley Cooper Melton, and her husband Ray, of Woodlawn, Virginia; and another daughter, Jane McKee, and her husband Douglas of Huntington, West Virginia. He is also survived by two daughters-in-law, Paula Cooper of Lexington, Virginia; and Lynda Cooper of Wilson, North Carolina.

Other survivors include his dearly loved grandchildren, Jill Thompson and her husband Lee of Woodlawn, Virginia; Craig Melton and his wife Sandy of Staunton, Virginia; Elisa Dwight Cooper of Berkeley, California; Beth Futrello and husband Joe of Urbana, Illinois; Amy Cooper of Lexington, Virginia; and Nelson Chipman and wife Karin of Brooklyn, New York.

Dwight is survived by a host of loving nieces, nephews, friends, and other relatives. He is survived by a special friend, Jelene Patton.

Dwight Cooper was a special man who loved his family, his church, and his community. He was known by all to be an unassuming man who made a great difference in the lives of many people. His work at First Christian Church in Galax led many people to know the Lord Jesus Christ. His family knew of his love and support that surrounded them always, and he served his community in many ways including work with the Galax Clean City Committee. In his work at Vaughan Furniture Company, his men and the administration at Vaughan's knew him to be a man of God and a man of honor. His Christian love extended to many at the Beverly Healthcare/Blue Ridge Nursing Home.

The family is grateful for the kindness of so many at Beverly Healthcare/Blue Ridge and the nurses of Hospice.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, November 4, at 2:00 p.m. at First Christian Church. The family will greet friends at First Christian Church on Friday, November 3, 2006, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Flowers will be welcome, or contributions may be made in Dwight's memory to First Christian Church, Galax, Virginia.

"To God be the glory."