Robert Anthony Cooper, Jr., 80, of Columbia, passed away on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 after a brave battle with cancer. Born in Lancaster, South Carolina on May 12, 1943, he was a son of the late Robert Anthony Cooper, Sr., and Lelia Evans Cooper.

Bob proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and an Associate degree in Commercial Education. After retiring from the Federal Land Bank of 20 years, Bob worked another 20 years as an Auditor for the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism before retiring again. He was a member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans.

Bob was an avid USC baseball fan and had a love for old westerns, especially Gunsmoke, The Rifleman and Clint Eastwood movies. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially Dove hunting with his sons Rob and Chris and his nephews, Brian, Todd, Chase and Evan. A kind, gentle soul, Bob never met a stranger and was a friend to all. He dearly loved his faithful companion, his dog BoBo. He was a wonderful father and a devoted family man who will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his sons, Robert A. Cooper III (Michelle) of Rock Hill, SC, and Christopher B. Cooper (Catherine) of Columbia, SC; grandson, Eric of Chapin, SC; siblings, Michael Cooper (Vickie) of Lexington, SC, Jean Wright of Jacksonville, FL, and Keith Cooper (Beth) of Columbia, SC; and former wife, Debra Brooks of Eau Claire, SC as well as many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Cooper.

The graveside service will be held at 11 o'clock on Monday, August 7th, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:30 until 10:30 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext. Columbia, SC.

In honor of Bob, the family encourages guests to wear Carolina Gamecock colors (black and garnet) to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Air Force Aid Society (afas.org) or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (lls.org).