Richard Thomas “Rick” Cooper, 66, of Hollywood, died Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Shem Creek Health Center in the loving arms of his soulmate, Elisa Norton Cooper. Rick is survived by his wife, Elisa; his three sons, Michael Thomas Cooper [Emily], William Lindsey Cooper and Thomas Norton Cooper; his two grandsons, Daniel Thomas Cooper and Henry Fields Cooper; his five siblings, Randolph W. Cooper [Tamie], Norman J. Cooper [Dana], William C. Cooper [Kathleen], Trudie Cooper Parker [Johnny] and J. Ashley Cooper [Kristen]; as well as his thirteen nieces and nephews and their families.
Rick, and his twin brother Randy, were born April 6, 1957, in Charleston to William Thomas “Bill” Cooper and Gertrude Cannon “Trudie” Cooper. Rick and Randy attended Porter Gaud School and The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina (Class of 1979). At The Citadel, Rick lettered in sailing so he would always have access to a boat to escape when needed. While his twin, Randy, was in the Summerall Guards, Rick proudly graduated as a Senior Private having to complete many hours of tours to walk the stage. Although Rick attempted to break every rule posted at The Citadel, he absolutely loved the school and the fellow cadets that became his lifelong friends.
Rick then obtained his MBA in finance from the University of South Carolina and more importantly married the love of his life, Elisa Norton Cooper. After completing Milliken’s management training program and a year of grave-yard shifts, Rick and Elisa moved back to Charleston in 1983 where he began working with his father and grandfather at the family furniture store, Southeastern Galleries. Today, Rick’s sister, Trudie, his son, William, and his nephew, Randolph continue to operate the family business.
Rick loved his family, his friends, playing golf with family and friends, fishing with family and friends, and having fun everyday.
In 2019 at the age of 62, Rick was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (FTD). He did not let the diagnosis affect his love for life or love for fun. He worked at the store until he couldn’t. He drove until he couldn’t. He played golf until he couldn’t. But nothing ever stopped him from loving life, being silly or having fun. A special note of gratitude must be made for the friends that made a special effort to spend time with Rick going to lunch, playing golf and cutting up, even in the late stages of disease; especially, Andy Slotin, Ollie Edwards, Bill Hopkins, Bryan Summerford and David Huckabee. True loving friendship was one of the most important things in life to Rick. These friends showed that such love can endure all things. Rick never met a stranger and will be missed by all who knew him.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 PM, Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 120 Broad Street. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, Monday at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Roper St. Francis Foundation, Hospice/Palliative Care, 100 Calhoun Street, Suite 210, Charleston, SC 29403 and/or The Citadel Foundation, Class of 1979 Leadership Day, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC 29403.
Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.