Morris was born in Bonham, Texas, to Eulan Ray and Melba Dean (Daniel) Cooper on October 28, 1947. The family later moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where Morris grew up and attended school, graduating from Memphis High School in 1968. Soon after graduation, he proudly joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country during the Vietnam War.
After completing his military service, Morris met and married the love of his life, Clara Ellen Burch. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and adventure, sharing more than 57 wonderful years of marriage. They started their life and raised their children in Bonham when Morris started work at General Cable.
After General Cable, Morris faithfully served his community as both a police officer and firefighter while earning training and certifications through Texas A&M. He retired from the Bonham Fire Department but wasn't one to sit still for long. In the years that followed, he held several jobs to stay busy.
He also found great fulfillment volunteering as a hospice companion and serving as a park host at several Texas state parks. Morris and Clara especially enjoyed traveling the country in their RV with family and friends, making memories everywhere they went.
Morris never met a stranger. He had a gift for making friends wherever he went and treasured those friendships throughout his life. Above all, he cherished his family and loved spending time with those closest to him.
Morris was preceded in death by his parents, Eaulan Ray and Melba Dean Cooper.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Clara Cooper, of Pilot Point; his son, Scott Cooper and wife, Kathy, of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming; his daughter, Mary Ellis, of Pilot Point; his sister, Deana Foster and husband, Donnie, of Savoy, Texas; and his aunt, Carol Carter and husband, Eddy, of Plano, Texas.
He is also survived by his grandchildren: Justin Freeman and wife, Charlie; Justin Kerr; Nikala Wallace; Jessica Short and husband, Mason; WO1 Clayton Cooper and girlfriend, Jonna Lee; and Dalton Inman and wife, Kaitlyn.
His great-grandchildren include Jayden, Thea, and Waverly Wallace; Quincy Freeman; Madison, Ezekiel, and Amelia Short; and Corbin Cooper Inman, who is expected to arrive soon.
He is also survived by his niece, Jennifer Danielle Green; his nephews, Charlie Cooper Bellows and Dylan Ray Foster; his great-nieces, Annabelle Green, Norah Rae Bellows, Raylee Foster, and Kinsley Foster; and his great-nephew, Henry Green.
Funeral services are set for 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Monday, July 13, 2026 at Slay Memorial Funeral Centers, 400 US-377 in Aubrey, TX 76227.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Morris' name to the Pilot Point Fire Department, the American Cancer Society, or the American Heart Association.
His kindness, sense of humor, and willingness to help others will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
