Bernard Cooper, Jr.

Bernard Cooper, Jr.

November 20, 1952 - January 27, 2026

Obituary

Bernard “Bernie” William Cooper Jr., age 73, of Old Town, Florida, and formerly of Hobart and Knox, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at HCA Florida Largo Hospital. Bernie was born November 20, 1952, to Bernard W. Cooper and Betty Jean (Bliss) Cooper in Hammond, Indiana.


He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard W. Cooper and his wife, Rettia, and Betty Jean Brown and her husband, Earl W. Brown Jr. “Bud”; his son, Allen Joel Cooper; and his siblings, Diane (Stewart) Barnett, Dennis R. Cooper, Steve (Pam) Cooper, and Candace (Rickey) Williams.


He was a car enthusiast with a deep love and extensive knowledge of cars, especially Corvettes and American muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s. He enjoyed everything from buying and collecting to working on, modifying, and completing full restoration projects. He drove for MDZ Trucking for the last 20 years. It seemed as if he had spent his life behind the wheel, with millions of miles under his belt, starting with daily runs to Detroit to deliver sand at age 18. He was the kind of man who never met a stranger, combining a kind heart with a sharp wit.


He is survived by his son, Bernard W. Cooper III “Berny,” and his wife, Chandra; sister, Debbie (Gary) Wright; brother, Earl “Bud” Brown III and his wife, Laura; sister-in-law, Mickey Cooper; seven grandchildren, Aaron (Alexandra) Cooper, Gabrielle (Andrew) Walkowiak, Hannah (Christian) Puckett, Kyndelle Cooper, Emma Cooper, Grace Cooper, and Allen “AJ” Cooper; great-grandson, Theodore Cooper; and numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members, and many loyal friends.


A memorial service will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Weems & Sons Funeral Home. Friends are welcome to attend a visitation beginning 30 minutes prior to the service.


Arrangements are entrusted to Weems & Sons Funeral Home of Chiefland, Florida.

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Bernard
AC
A Memorial Tree was planted for Bernard William Cooper
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Weems & Sons Funeral Homes - Chiefland
JH
Johnnetta Harper
Other •
What can we say. Speechless. The Man in Black. Worked with this wonderful individual at MDZ Trucking for many years, he will be surely and sorely missed by many. Condolences to all.
LB
Leesa Buckworth
Other •
Cooper was best friends with Gabby since grade school and stayed in his life up until his passing February 1,2021. The story’s were endless so many. He will be truly missed. Leesa Buckworth./Gabby’s widow.
TH
Teresa Hockaday
Other •
Bernie was a great friend. We broke down in Valparaiso in the 1978 blizzard. We stayed with his family for a few days and then we drove his truck back home. He really saved us. We will miss him terribly. RIP bud.
JS
Jayce Scheidt
Other •
Good Ol' Bern will be missed by all who knew him. A great friend who would help anyone, anywhere, anytime. Always had a story or a joke. Millions of miles on the road and never a dull moment. RIP my friend. Jayce and Suzie Scheidt
DP
DAVID PEARMAN
Other •
I was devastated to hear about Bernie's passing. I have known him for a long time and enjoyed hanging out with him at his shop or when he came over to my place. He was just a fun guy, a fellow hot rodder to the core. He had a great dark sense of humor and never hesitated to speak his mind. Of course, we spoke 99% about cars. He also was great at hauling things. He picked up cars for me all the way in Beaumont, Texas. We talked many times when I was on the road, he was on the road or both. I thought of him this past weekend when I was in Pomona for GNRS, because I had made a previous trip there to visit the NHRA museum at Bernie's suggestion. It was nice to speak with Bernie III today, and I know that he will carry on the family Hot Rod legacy. Until we meet again old friend...

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