Charles Wayne Cooper

Charles Wayne Cooper, 86, of Moultrie, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Colquitt Regional Medical Center.

A memorial service will be held at Westview Cemetery on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 10:30 am with Reverend Julian Griner, Reverend Tony Crosby, and Ms. Hannah Bass officiating.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Born on April 21, 1939, in Colquitt County, he was the son of the late Clarance Melton Cooper and Rubye Stanaland Cooper.

Mr. Cooper was an associate broker with Mattco Realtors, where he built lasting relationships through his integrity, professionalism, and steadfast dedication to his clients. A 1957 graduate of Moultrie High School, he was a standout athlete playing football, where he was awarded merit for his offensive and defensive play. He also competed in track and was an All-State winner in the standing broad jump. His athletic ability and leadership earned him a football scholarship to Georgia Military College, where he played center and was an active member of the ROTC program. Committed to lifelong learning, Mr. Cooper continued his education at the University of Georgia, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. After college, he served in the United States Army as a Captain. He later received his MBA from Albany State University.

A devoted civic leader, Mr. Cooper served his community in numerous capacities. He was past Chairman of the Colquitt County Economic Development Authority and chaired the City Restoration and Main Street Development from 1985 until 2000. Mr. Cooper served as board director of ameris bank for over 20 years. He also served as past President of the Moultrie Rotary Club and as Chairman of the Colquitt County Health Department, always working to strengthen and improve the community he loved.

Mr. Cooper was a faithful member of First Methodist Church of Moultrie, where he was very active in the growth of the church. He served as a trustee member and held many other leadership roles. He taught Sunday school for more than 35 years. His dedication to his faith and his church family was a guiding force throughout his life.

An avid outdoorsman, he found happiness fishing along the Gulf Coast, quail hunting in the fall, and working on his pine tree farm, where he took great pride in the land he cared for.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Martha Leota Lewis Cooper; daughter, Virginia Leota Cooper Gursky; sister, Sirley Doster, and husband Ronald.

Mr. Cooper is survived by his son, Charles Wayne Cooper, Jr.; grandchildren, Alexander Michael Gursky, Charles Wayne Cooper III, and Harrison Wright Cooper; nephew, Colonel Thomas E. Lewis, Jr.; niece, Laura Lewis Madison; and sister-in-law, Elaine E. Lewis.

Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Home and Crematory.