Charles Cooper

Charles Irvin Cooper, Sr.,86, died on October 20, 2025. The son of Johnnie and Violet Cooper, Charles was born in Jal, New Mexico. When he was 5 years old, he and his family moved to Akron, Ohio where he lived until age 15. At age 15 he moved to Cleveland, TN to attend Lee College where he met his wife of 68 years, Jimmie Kinser.

Living for a short time in Akron, Ohio, Charles and Jimmie spent most of their married life in Cleveland, TN where Charles made his career with McKee Foods Corporation (Little Debbie) for 38 years.

Charles enjoyed woodworking, fishing, golfing, telling stories of his childhood, sitting on the front porch and spending time with his family. He was a longtime member of the Kinser Church of God where he served on the church council for many years.

Charles is survived by his wife, Jimmie Kinser Cooper, and their children: Charles (Faye) Cooper Jr., Deanna Cooper Barrick (David), Denzil Cooper (Mary, beloved daughter in law, deceased 2024) and Johnnie (Rhonda) Cooper; grandchildren: Holly Cooper Ogletree (John), Julia Cooper Hudson (B.J.), Denzil Cooper, Jr. (Jennifer), Jennifer Cooper Guy (Nick) and bonus grandchildren Chris Wright (Tara), David Wright (Tawnya), Nicole Christopher and Blake (Selina) Christopher; great grandchildren: Katelyn Guy, Maddox Cooper, Braydon Cooper, Nicholas Guy, and several bonus great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and two ornery sisters-in-law.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday, October 24th at Companion Funeral Home, Cleveland, TN followed by a graveside service at Hilcrest Memorial Gardens with Reverend Gwen Green officiating. Serving as pallbearers are Charles Cooper, Jr. (honorary), Denzil Cooper Sr., Johnnie Cooper, Denzil Cooper, Jr., David Barrick, John Ogletree, Nick Guy, David Wright, and Noah Wright.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Charles or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.