Leon Archie Cooper, Jr., 84, of Columbia, died Monday, October 23, 2017, after a brief illness. Born December 11, 1932, in Columbia, he was a son of the late Leon Archie Cooper, Sr. and Emmie Oneila Cooper.

Mr. Cooper was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Among his numerous achievements were President of the Jaycees, President of Church Council at St. Paul's, President of the Five Points Association, President of the Southeastern Dry Cleaner's Association, a Richland Two School Board member, served as a Campaign Manager for Strom Thurmond in the 1960's, was a member of the Palmetto Club, Man of the Year (1966), and attended Boys State. Mr. Cooper was the owner of Master Cleaners and Laundry. He was an avid gardener and pilot, who loved his roses and flying. He was a U.S. Army Ranger and Paratrooper. Mr. Cooper attended The Clemson Agricultural College of South Carolina (Clemson University), where he was part of the 1st Battalion, was a member of the Blue Key Honor Society, a member of the Scabbard and Blade, and President of the National Textile Manufacturing Society.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Sloan Cooper; daughter, Mary Sloan Glaser (Brent); son, Lee Cooper; and daughter, Ellen Scott (Tommy); grandchildren, Torrey and Taylor Glaser, Will, Cooper and Anna Scott. Also surviving are his sister, Debbie Cooper; nephews, Duane and Scott Cowan; and family friend, John Cromer.

The service for Mr. Cooper will be held at 11 o'clock, Saturday, October 28th at St. Paul's Lutheran Church conducted by The Rev. Dr. Tony A. Metze. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday afternoon from 4 until 6 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. The family request memorials be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1715 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201.