Obituary:

July 18, 1944 – August 26, 2025

Ralph Gilbert Cooper Jr. was born on July 18, 1944 in Houston, Texas, the second of six children born to R.G (Ralph) and Ruby Modell Washington Cooper.

He graduated from Jack Yates High School in 1963.  He was apart of Jack Yates Championship Football Team of 1962.  He received an All City and State Football Award.  Along with being inducted into Prairie View Interscholastic League Hall of Fame in 1963. Ralph went on to attend Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on a football scholarship where he was known as an exceptional athlete.  While at Southern, Ralph pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, embracing its principles of brotherhood, service and scholarship.

In 1966, Ralph married the love of his life, Irma Jean Alexis Jackson Cooper.  Together they shared 53 beautiful years of marriage until her passing in 2020.

During his junior year of college, Ralph was drafted into the United States Army and served with honor in the Vietnam Way.  While serving, he developed advanced skills in telecommunications, which lead to a fulfilling 34- year career with AT&T before his retirement.

Ralph was also an avid bowler, participating in both local and traveling leagues, where he made many lasting friendships and memories.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Irma Cooper; his parents, R.G. and Ruby Cooper; his brother, Jerry Cooper; and his sisters, Vesta Mae Cooper Hall and Ada Lou Cooper Judge. He is survived by his brother, Pete Cooper (Norma) of Pearland, Texas; his sister, Carolyn Cooper Arrington of Houston, Texas; and his uncle, George Washington, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who will cherish his memory."

He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Latonja Cooper Jimerson (Ken) of Murphy, Texas and his grandchildren, Cooper Sanders of Kerrville, Texas and Conner Sanders Jackson (Thomas) of Box Elder, South Dakota.  Ralph brought laughter, joy, and warmth to those who truly knew and loved him.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Anne Mae Delaine, Dorothy Simpson-Lewis, Robert Bonner (bestfriend) , Rhome Nixon, and Ken Jimerson for their unwavering support during this difficult time.

Ralph's legacy of love, humor, and strength will live on in all who had the honor of knowing him.