COLUMBUS

Billy Ray Cooper, 86, of Columbus, passed away Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility.

Billy was born July 14, 1929, in Cumberland, Kentucky, to the late William and Ollie Whitaker Cooper. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Billy retired from Cummins Engine Co. after 22 years of service and was previously employed at Arvin Industries. After his retirement from Cummins, he went to work for his son at Coop’s Antenna Service. He attended Shiloh Baptist Church and loved fishing and camping.

Billy is survived by his loving spouse of 60 years, Martha Ford Cooper, whom he wed June 23, 1955; his son, Keith A. Cooper of Elizabethtown; four sisters, Helen Rotert and Shirley (Sam) Brock, both of Freetown, Betty Persinger of Medora, and Judy (Don) Bonebright of Vallonia. He also is survived by several nieces and nephews and his faithful dog, Brandy.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with Pastor Ancel Harden officiating. Following the service, he will be entombed in the Garland Brook Mausoleum with military honors. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 until 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or the Alzheimer’s Association through the funeral home.

You are invited to view his video tribute, light a virtual candle and send a condolence message to the Cooper family via the internet on the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home website, jewellrittman.com.