William Ray Cooper, 83, was born on March 27, 1942, the son of William W. Cooper and Opal (Gable) Cooper. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Jack Cooper.

Bill spent most of his life in McCurtain County; he joined the United States Navy at a young age and proudly served his country for a number of years. After his time in the military, he married his beloved wife, Annette Brannan, on May 21, 1970, in Hugo, Oklahoma. They built their life together in Wright City. Bill started his career in law enforcement. He served as a Deputy Sheriff in McCurtain County and later went on to work for the city of Idabel as a policeman. After that he began working for Weyerhaeuser at the Valliant paper mill as the security manager for 28 years before retiring.

Beyond his professional career, Bill was a man of many talents and hobbies. He was an avid outdoorsman. Bill loved fishing and hunting. He coached Little League baseball in Wright City. Bill was an active member in the American Legion. He also was a talented musician. Bill enjoyed singing, playing the guitar and the drums with family and friends. Above all, Bill was a husband, father and grandfather; his love for his family was unwavering and unconditional, and it is this love that will continue to guide and comfort them in the days to come.

Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Annette Cooper of the home; sons, Darren Thomas and wife, Audrey of Ashdown, AR and Sean Thomas of Wright City, OK; grandchildren, Emma Thomas, John Henry Thomas, Hannah Thomas, and Leland Thomas; many nieces and nephews; along with a host of other family, friends and loved ones.