Cooper Oliver

Cooper Oliver, 69 of Franklin died unexpectedly on Friday, January 13, 2012 as a result of a motor vehicle accident on Sugarcreek Drive.

Cooper was the life of most parties, always up for good-natured debates with those of opposing viewpoints, a fearless seeker of new experiences, a loyal friend, a mentor to many, a beloved father and grandfather and a generous community member.

As a father, he raised three children as different from each other as they were from him. Though he and his children were spread far and wide- geographically, politically, religiously, etc., the strong sense of family that he held and instilled in his children, allowed these differences to make family bonds stronger rather than divide. His children and grandchildren will continue to benefit from this even with his passing.

As a community member in Franklin, Cooper was instrumental in creating and sustaining the Shepherd's Green Community Food Pantry in 2005, a ministry that has fed nearly 25,000 people since it began. He was an instructor of the Financial Peace University, working to assist families by teaching the importance of debt reduction. Cooper worked diligently to promote the arts in Franklin, by serving on the Board of Directors of the Franklin Civic Operetta Association and volunteering as a producer, actor, and more for various works of the Barrow-Civic Theatre. He was a member of several local philanthropic and social clubs.

Cooper was a faithful parishioner of St. John's Episcopal Church, singing in the choir, teaching, serving on a missionary team to Honduras, and cooking for many fund-raising and social events. He was working actively on evangelism and a program for faith-growth at the time of his death.

After two decades of work in the financial and insurance industries in New York City and St. Louis, Cooper came to Franklin initially to work with VisionQuest, a program that, gives troubled youth the extraordinary experience of traveling cross-country via horseback and covered wagon. He moved on to explore his love of cooking and gab by opening a barbeque restaurant and then purchasing the Sly Fox - a bar, restaurant and Franklin institution.

He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and bridge player, man of strong faith and was very generous of himself and his time. He had a wonderful sense of humor, gentle demeanor and infectious smile. He loved his family, his friends, his dogs and life. He will be truly and dearly missed.

He is survived by his three children and their spouses ? Parker and Katie Oliver, Tori Oliver and Jason Smith, Nicki and Harry Root; his brother Woody Oliver and his seven grandchildren - Emmie, Tommy, Isabel, Oliver, Abbott, Henry, and Cooper. He is preceded in death by his father Joseph Oliver, Sr, mother Edwina Oliver and brother Morry Oliver.

There will be no visitation.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday February 11, 2012 at St. John?s Episcopal Church, 1145 Buffalo St. Franklin, with the Rev. Holly A. Davis, Rector Officiating.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff Chapel Inc. 312 West Park St. Franklin.