Bobby Ray Cooper, born June 11, 1935, in Etowah, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025, at the Circle of Life Hospice Home at Legacy Village in Bentonville, Arkansas, surrounded by the love of his family.

Bobby honorably served in the United States Army and the United States Army Reserve. He was a proud graduate of the University of Arkansas, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus on Biology and Physical Education in 1957. He later obtained a Master of Science in Education from Arkansas State University in 1966.

Throughout his career, Bobby was an influential educator, principal, teacher, and coach in Dell, Arkansas, and at Zachary High School in Zachary, Louisiana. He also worked in construction with Cooper Construction in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and later retired from Georgia Pacific.

A man of unwavering faith, Bobby dedicated his life to serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a deacon, prayer room leader, Sunday School teacher, and choir member. His faith journey led him to worship at Bella Vista Baptist Church (Bella Vista, AR), First Baptist Church (Crossett, AR), Smoke Rise Baptist Church (Stone Mountain, GA), and First Baptist Church (Zachary, LA).

Bobby had a passion for history and discovery, actively participating in the Arkansas Archeological Society and spent 60 years researching genealogy across the globe. He was also deeply involved in track and field, serving as an official and clerk for the University of Arkansas and USATF. His enthusiasm for sports extended to his Arkansas Razorbacks and his love for golf, enjoying the game as a member of the Bella Vista Golf Association and his golf group, McDivots.

Bob was a gentle and kind man who loved his Lord, his family, and his country. His compassionate and caring nature will be deeply missed by all who had the fortune to know him.

Bobby was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Deloris Anne Lane and Revel Dean Cooper, Sr.; as well as his brothers, Billy Dean Cooper and Harrel Lee Cooper; and his sister, Lillie Mae Cooper Emerson.

He is survived by his devoted wife and love of his life for 68 years, Martha Delora White Cooper. His legacy lives on through his children, Lisa Ann Cooper Colvin and her husband, Robert Lane Colvin II, and Vicky Celeste Cooper Weatherly and her husband, Jeffrey Paul Weatherly. Bobby was a proud and loving Poppy to Lauren Ann Weatherly and her husband, Logan Thomas Waltz, Allison Nicole Weatherly, and Riley Cooper Weatherly.

Affectionately known as "Brother Bob," he is also survived by his cherished siblings: Revel Dean Cooper, Jr., and his wife, Jane Anne Mertens Cooper; Mary Leah Cooper Moore and her husband, Larry Landry Moore; Geraldine Glynn Cooper and her husband, Robert Arnold; and Arthur Ralph Cooper and his wife, Melissa Tara Sigler Cooper.

He will be laid to rest at Bella Vista Memorial Garden Cemetery in Bella Vista, Arkansas. A memorial service will be held at a later date to celebrate his remarkable life.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.