Evangelistic Funeral Service

Funeral Message:

Mr. Milton Earle Cooper

December 9, 2004 @ 3pm

1. Pre-Service Music:

2. Greeting & Condolences to Family:

We are here today to remember the life and the legacy of Milton Earle Cooper.

Milton Cooper was born on July 23, 1944 here in Greenville County and passed away on Tuesday morning, December 7, 2004 in Orangeburg, SC.

Over the course of his 60 years Milton made a great impact on those who knew him. He began his years the son of a mill worker. Growing up with close friends and family there in the Poe Mill. It was there that he first discovered the truth of Christ at the Poe Baptist Church.

When the time came, Milton joined the US Air Force and defended our great nation during the Vietnam War.

After an honorable discharge, he came home and began working as an electrician. However, Milton soon discovered that his real love and passion was for cars. He later shifted his skills from electrical work to automotive work and even discovered the joy of drag racing.

Milton loved his family, he loved his country, he loved cars and he loved music.

3. Milton was preceded in death by…

1. His Father & Mother: Judge Earle & Hazel Christian Cooper (and)

2. His brother – Maxie Lee Cooper who passed away on July 24th of this year (2004)

He is survived by…

1. His children:

a. Michael Cooper – of Mauldin (and)

b. Heather Cooper – of Greenville

2. Two grandchildren

3. His sister – Margret Derrick

4. His brother – Maurice Cooper

5. And many nieces and nephews

I realize today that many of you are dealing with an array of feelings and so I would like to begin by reading to you a few passages of scripture to both assist and comfort you.

4. Scripture Reading:

Psalm 46:1

AGod is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble…”

(The Lord declares in…) Isaiah 41:10

AFear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.@

Psalm 145:18

AThe Lord is near to all who call upon Him...@

5. Opening Prayer:

(Let us pray.)

AHeavenly Father, we come to today in need of both your comfort and strength. In the midst of these varied emotions I ask you to give your strength and your peace to this group of family and friends. I ask that your presence would be felt and that during this very difficult time that you would enable these men and women who are hurting to turn to you as they search for peace in the midst of their pain. Now be with us we pray. In Jesus= name - Amen.@

6. Special Song – Melinda Cooper (Milton’s niece)

7. Message:

Humor:

I have only known Milton for a few months. I had the privilege of meeting him and discovering his love for his family through the loss of his brother Maxie.

What was revealed during our conversations was his undeniable passion for those closest to him. I have found that it is often during those moments with our family and friends that we lower our guard and display our true heart.

And there are even times when we are with those close to us that we do humorous things. When we are with family – we tend to reveal the innocence and humor of our heart.

I was speaking with the Margrett and Maurice (who I have come to know as Bubber) just yesterday and was told a great story about Milton.

When he was just a boy – he lived with his family in the Poe Mill Village. It was here that he first heard about Christ. His father and mother would carry him (along with the rest of the children) each week to the Poe Baptist Church.

Well, one father’s day weekend the church had a guest evangelist come through and speak. And, Earle Cooper (Milton’s Daddy) was taken by the spirit of the preacher that he invited him home for dinner.

While enjoying dinner and conversation – the evangelist made several references to “Fathers” and how fathers were so important in the homes. It was at this time that Milton in his innocence spoke up and declared – “We don’t have a father in this house.”

You see he had only known his father as Daddy. He didn’t know what a father was!

Psalm 91 reads:

And He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, >He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.= Surely He will save you from the fowler=s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.@