George Nathaniel Cooper, Jr.
George Nathaniel Cooper, Jr., a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 30, 2026 at his home in Richmond, VA at the age of 75.
George was born on July 6, 1951 in Bedford, Virginia to George N. Cooper, Sr. and Marjorie Cooper. Growing up in Moneta, he attended Staunton River High School, where he met his future bride, Gloria. After high school, he attended Lynchburg College and received a degree in business. George and Gloria married on July 17, 1971, and they began their life together in Lynchburg. Beginning his professional career at Strother Drug Company, he worked first as a salesman and later as warehouse manager for a total of 17 years. In 1992, he became an agent for State Farm Insurance in Bedford, following in his father’s footsteps, running a successful agency until he retired in 2019, and paving the way for his son Nate and son-in-law Chris to continue the State Farm legacy.
Everyone remembers George for his quick wit, as he often shared “Dad jokes” to make people laugh. Ever the entertainer for his family and friends, his love of performing began with winning the talent show in 1st grade when he sang “Blue Suede Shoes.” In later years, we never knew when he’d hit us with a breakout performance of “Uptown Funk.” He loved all kinds of music: in high school he played saxophone with a local band, and he later picked up the bass guitar. He passed on his love of music to his family, attending concerts, finding the harmony in a song, or playing air keyboards or chords on the car dashboard or steering wheel.
During their life together, he traveled to all 50 states and numerous countries with Gloria. In retirement, George read every book fellow Smith Mountain Lake resident David Baldacci ever wrote, set and accomplished a goal of walking 100 miles in 2020, and played as much softball as he could— the friendships formed through his softball leagues meant so much to him.
George is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Gloria; his children, Jennifer Cooper Stuckey and husband, Chris, Nate Cooper and wife, Stacy, Beth Cooper Nawrotzky and husband Kirk; his grandchildren, Olivia Stuckey Nicholson and husband, Nash, Joel Stuckey, Campbell Cooper, Charlie Ann Cooper, Cade Nawrotzky, and Reid Nawrotzky; his great grandchild, Graham Nicholson; his sister, Anne Long and brother-in-law Gary.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice.
The family will receive friends on Friday, November 6 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Main Street United Methodist Church in Bedford, and a memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m.
Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.
“Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.” ~Psalm 21:
