Michael Anson Cooper, age 68, of Milton died Saturday, May 14, 2016 following a motorcycle accident in North Carolina.  Mr. Cooper was a native of Florence, AL and the son of the late Anson and Helen Marie Hurd Cooper.

Visitation will be 12:00-2:00 pm on Wednesday with the funeral service following at 2:00 pm at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.  Rev. Brady Cooper will officiate.  Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife Susan Salmons Cooper, son, Jonathan Masterson "Matt" Cooper and his wife Greta of Russellville, AL, sister, Angela Allen and her husband Bill of Braselton, GA, three grandchildren, Madeline, Bryson, and Jackson Cooper, and several nieces and nephews.

He was a member of New Vision Baptist Church, a graduate of the University of North Alabama and attended the University of Alabama masters program.

Michael served his country as a United States Marine during the Vietnam War.  He came back and spent his career helping veterans regain their quality of life through the Halfway House at the Alvin C. York Medical Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  After over 30 years of government service and a heart attack, he knew it was time to begin a new chapter in his life. He was able to spend time with family and friends, whether it was a trip on his Harley or enjoying the hilltop at Milton with his wife Susan. He was eager to say, "Every day is a holiday, and every meal is a banquet".  He had learned through life experiences to keep things "simple", live in the present, know that His Heavenly Father was the Lord of his life, and never miss an opportunity to encourage and bring out the best in the people he loved.  He loved the roar of a Harley, Alabama football, and he stood quietly and proudly when he was recognized as a Marine.  "Once a Marine, always a Marine."

Pallbearers will be Larry Eaton, Bill Bradbury, David Jones, Scott Salmons, Kelly Kirby, and Hap Harrington.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America – Chapter 1004, 607 Saddlestone Drive, Lebanon, TN 37090.