Billy Ray Cooper

Billy Ray Cooper Sr., 91 of Littleton, Colorado, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026, with his family by his side surrounding him with love.

He was born in Blackwell, Oklahoma to Ray and Irene (Gallant) Cooper on August 15, 1934. He was the third of eight children. Looking to find a better life due to the impact of the Great Depression in Oklahoma, the family moved to Forest Grove, Oregon in 1940. Even at a young age, Bill was a hard worker and took on odd jobs to help provide for his family.

After graduating from Forest Grove Union High School in 1952, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force and served until his active-duty discharge in 1961. He then joined the Army Reserves in 1965 and continued this service until 1986. While in the Reserves he earned the highest rank given to an enlisted soldier - Command Sergeant Major. During his service he was stationed in California, Wyoming, Nebraska, as well as the Philippines and Saudi Arabia. He was a proud patriot and served his country honorably for 30 years.

While stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Bill married Patty McIntosh on July 2, 1955. Upon his discharge from the Air Force in 1961, they moved to Denver, Colorado.  He had a strong work ethic and would often hold two jobs at the same time to support his growing family. In 1968 he began his career at Honeywell as a computer programmer. He eventually advanced to an Account Executive. His natural sales ability and success brought him many accolades such as induction into the company’s President’s Club. He was driven and determined, from humble beginnings to Honeywell’s highest honor. After he retired in 1997, he wanted to keep doing what he loved, so he continued selling computers with a business partner for several years.

Bill was an avid golfer and a lifelong sports enthusiast. He took great pride in watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as they competed in various sports and activities. He was their number one fan and rarely missed cheering them on. 

Bill was a true family man. Above all else, he found his greatest joy in his family. Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He shared 70 years with his beloved wife Patty. Together they built a family that brought him happiness and pride. Bill was a staple at all family functions. He had a kind and calm nature and was often seen in his chair holding one or two of the babies.  He was the official Cooper “baby-whisperer”.  He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they all adored him. Bill is survived by family who loved him dearly and will miss him greatly - his wife Patty, daughter Mandy Cooper, daughter Shelly (Todd) Barrett, son Billy (Debbie) Cooper Jr., and son Les Cooper.  He is also survived by six grandchildren: Dustin Dudley, Megan (Doug Madden) Taff, Brandon (Danielle) Taff, Colton (Lenice) Barrett, Nate Cooper, and Jenna Cooper and nine great-grandchildren: Aiden “Jack” Madden, Maddi Land, Brooklyn Madden, Ada Taff, Ivy Taff, Braunson Barrett, Jaxon Barrett, Nova Barrett, and Ella Barrett. He is also survived by two siblings, Sharon Grittman and Melvin “Bud” Cooper.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents Ray and Irene Cooper and siblings Bob Cooper, Lloyd Cooper, Marilyn Juden, Shirley Perkins, and Barbara Cooper.

Bill was the very embodiment of strength and resilience. Throughout his lengthy illness, he faced each challenge with quiet courage and grace. He will be remembered for his kind heart, a generous spirit, and an unwavering love for those closest to him. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

We will celebrate and honor a life well-lived on March 16, 2026 at 2:30 pm at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W. Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family has kindly requested that you consider a contribution be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105; or online at www.stjude.org

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