Jerry Gene Cooper Sr., 81, of Talladega, AL passed away in Sylacauga, AL on Monday, March 25, 2024. His family will receive friends at Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega on Thursday, March 28, 2024 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. A funeral ceremony will be held in his honor at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega with his grandson, Taylor Gurley, officiating.

Mr. Cooper was a native and lifelong resident of Talladega and even served as mayor from 2015 until 2019. He was retired from the United State Postal Service. He always kept candy in his mail truck for the children on his route, and they affectionately referred to him as “Candy Man”. Mr. Cooper was a good Christian man who loved the Lord and preached for many years. He was also a member of Carpenters for Christ. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose great-grandchildren were his pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Cooper; parents, John B. and Eva Cooper; brother, Johnny J. Copper (Mary); sister, Shirley Carr; and brother-in-law, Randy Jones.

Mr. Cooper is survived by his son, Jay Cooper; daughter, Rebecca Beard (Jerry); grandsons, Taylor Gurley (Sarah) and Adam Beard; great-grandsons, Graham Gurley and Raiden Gurley; sister, Sandra Cooper Jones, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Chuck Davis, Lavelle Wesley, Adam Beard, Steve King, Carter Floyd, George Jackson and Johnny Cooper will serve as pallbearers.

Jeff Keith, Clay Davis, Ricky Simpson, Scott Grissett, Jerry Beard, and Harry Milam will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com.

Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega is directing the services.