Hugh “Buddy” Wilton Cooper, Jr

Clinton, South Carolina

Buddy Cooper, 65, died Wednesday, July 8, 2026. Born on March 30, 1960 in Clinton, SC, he was a son of the late Hugh “Wilton” Cooper, Sr and Patsy Sue Robinson Cooper.

Buddy graduated from Laurens High School in 1978. He studied History at Lander University in Greenwood, SC.

He worked for South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism at Myrtle Beach and Baker Creek State Parks, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District. He was in partnership with James Strom at Strom Property Management in McCormick, SC.

Buddy was of the Christian faith. He grew up attending Welcome Baptist Church and Wayside Baptist Church in Laurens, SC.

He is survived by his nephews Jarron Gravley, Tabor Gravley, Hewson Gravley; grandniece Luna-Rose Gravley; fiancée Paula Hendrix; precious canine companion, Cocoa, all from Greenwood, SC.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Jennifer Cooper Gravley.

A celebration of life will be at 11:30 am on Friday, July 24, at Patterson Chapel, 135 Patterson Plant Rd, Enoree, SC 29335. Officiated by Rev. Norman Dover.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to PAWS Animal Wildlife Sanctuary Inc., Laurens, SC 29360 (864)715-2171, [email protected].

Kennedy Mortuary and Crematory of Laurens is assisting the family.