Charles Cooper III peacefully passed away the evening of April 18, 2024. He was surrounded and supported by his loving family during the last days of his life. Cooper, (Coop) as he is affectionately known, was born on January 22, 1955, in Lexington MS, to Tearessa Walden Cooper and to the late Charles Cooper II. In 1956 his family moved to Moss Point, MS when Charles was at the young age of one. Growing up, Charles impacted the community with his beautiful smile, eager spirit, and loving heart. His love for Christ was expressed at an early age, as he will, and forever more be a servant of the Lord.

Charles graduated from Moss Point High School in 1973, where he was selected as Senior Class President. He was an outstanding member of the Moss Point High School football team. Upon graduating from high school, he earned a football scholarship and attended Mississippi College where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science.

After graduating from college in 1977, Charles began his career at Allstate Insurance Company as a claims adjuster. His discipline and dedication to his career led him to open his own insurance agency. He advised his clients on a very personal level which built their trust and confidence in him. His kindness to others and humility in service were evident in the way he ran his business. Simultaneously, he went on to fulfill a lifelong dream of opening his own restaurant known as Coop's Rib Crib. Charles served his own recipes of delicious food which soon became a community favorite. After an early retirement, he continued to instill his wisdom into the community through his personal relationships.
While his children were growing up, his devotion to them inspired him to coach football, tee ball, baseball and become a cheer dad. He continued to have lasting bonds with the children he coached and loved.

Charles's enthusiastic personality put people at ease, and he had a smile that could light up a room. He was personable, loving, committed, and disciplined. He reached out to help others whenever he could. Charles attended St. Mark United Methodist Church, in Gulfport, MS. and Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God In Christ, in Moss Point, MS.

Charles married his one and only love, Dorothy Autry Cooper, on August 5, 1978. To this union, two children were born: Charles Clayton and Erin Nicole. Charles and Dorothy shared a beautiful life together, walking hand in hand, supporting each other, working together, loving each other, and caring for each other. Their special love was endearing and could be felt by others when they entered a room. Charles loved his wife unconditionally and with every ounce of his being, and Dorothy loved and respected him just the same. Charles passionately loved and protected his family and would move heaven and earth for his grandchildren. He had a very special place in his heart for them all.

Charles was preceded in death by his father, Charles Cooper II.

Charles leaves behind to cherish his memories, his loving wife, Dorothy Autry Cooper; his son Charles Clayton Cooper (Marisa), his daughter Erin Nicole Cooper Carter (Darius); four grandchildren, Isjah Cooper. Jaela Cooper, Charles Caleb Cooper, and Emoni Carter; his mother Tearessa Cooper; brother, Walter Cooper; sister Zelanda Cooper; a niece, and a host of nephews and cousins.