Murray L. Cooper

Murray L. Cooper, 92 years old, last surviving son of Sol and Anna Cooper of Petersburg, Virginia passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2016. Murray was predeceased by his son, Bruce, his brother Bernard, Roslyn, his first wife of 26 years and his second wife, Renee of 33 years. He is survived by his son, Brian Cooper; daughter-in-law, Lois; two grandchildren, Ben and Grace Cooper; and Renee’s son, Philip Millstein of Princeton, N.J. He graduated from Petersburg High School in 1941, and enrolled at Virginia Polytechnic Institute in June of 1942 where he studied engineering. In March of 1943, Murray enlisted in the Air Force and served as a flight engineer and aerial gunner flying 35 combat missions over Germany. After the war, Murray re-enrolled at VPI and completed his education. Following graduation, he worked for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics at Langley for several years before leaving to work as a mechanical engineer for Baskervill and Son Architects for four years. The remainder of his career was spent at Hungerford Mechanical Corporation, where he worked for 32 years holding positions as president and vice chairman before retiring in 1986. Murray enjoyed playing tennis and golf throughout his life and once retired spent many hours alongside his wife, Renee, becoming a proficient woodcarver. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at Brith Achim Cemetery, 545 S. Crater Rd. Petersburg, VA 23803. In lieu of flowers, donations to Wounded Warrior Foundation would be appreciated. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .