May 13, 76,

George Austin “Buddy” Cooper, age 76, passed away Wednesday evening at Wayne UNC Healthcare. Born in Wayne County, he was the son of the late George Washington Cooper and Emma Celeste Austin Cooper and brother of the late Joyce Farfour.

A graveside service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday at 10:00 am at Wayne Memorial Park with Pastor Andy Stovall officiating. The family will greet friends at the cemetery immediately following the service.

He is survived by his wife, Hazel Wiggins Cooper; one daughter Ada Dawn Cooper; one son, George Ashley Cooper; one granddaughter and two grandsons; and two sisters, Colleen Gray and Bessie McKoy

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Special Olympics of North Carolina, 1133 19th Street NW, 12th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20036‐3604.

Shumate-Faulk Funeral  Home is serving the Cooper family and online condolences may be directed to www.shumate-faulk.com