Robert Devany Cooper “The Coop,” 82, passed away April 12, 2017, at his home. He was born in Suffolk Aug. 18, 1934, and lived in Wakefield until 1960. Bobby was predeceased by parents, Mary Clarke Cooper and Devany Cooper.

As a young man, Bobby attended Wakefield Methodist Church and graduated from Wakefield High School in 1953. He attended Virginia Tech. He completed a two-year course in auto mechanics at Danville Technical Institute, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s Apprentice School for Machinists, and retired from the shipyard after 37 years. He worked at Plasser American in Norfolk for 10 years. He was a member of Providence United Methodist Church and the Gray Memorial Class. He worked hard and never complained. He enjoyed working on engines, working in his garden, country music and playing golf. Some of his favorite times were at the lake with Ruth and Stanley. He knew how to relax, whether it was fishing or just sitting on the porch.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dorothy Joyner Cooper; one daughter, Dana C. Mitchell and husband, John; two sons, Clarke Devany Cooper and wife, Julie, and Robert Russell Cooper and wife, Nancy; grandchildren, James Evan Cooper, Aaron David Cooper, Luke Gordon Cooper, Joshua Devany Cooper, Celeste Renee Cooper, Dori Lynn Mitchell and Clare Elise Mitchell; and a special friend and fishing buddy, Ruth Roberson.

The family is grateful to Delores Vann and Sentara Hospice.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday April 15, 2017, at Riverside Cemetery, Courtland, with the Rev. Dr. Garland Hines officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Providence United Methodist Church, 3105 Providence Road, Suffolk, VA 23434. www.wrightfuneralhome.org.