(1944 - 2024)
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Mack Cooper, 80, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, with family by his side. Born Nov. 7, 1944, to the late Johnnie and Thelma Cooper of Franklinton, N.C., Mack had a variety of professions during his lifetime, but never strayed far from his beloved hometown. He graduated from Franklinton High School in 1963 and married his high school sweetheart, Jeanne Watson, at age 19.
Mack attended Wilson Tech to learn how to operate heavy equipment. Early in life, Mack quickly learned he wanted to be his own boss and was a self-employed entrepreneur throughout his 60+ years of working. Farmer, restauranteur, small business owner, homebuilder, landscaper and real estate developer were among his many vocations, but when asked recently by a nurse, "Mr. Mack, what did you do for a living?", he replied "I ran a bulldozer!" Through decades of business development, Mack always strived to make Franklinton a better place to live.
Mack loved working outside; playing cards (spades, hearts, poker); pet dogs; watching Grand Slam tennis tournaments and boxing matches (Bjorn Borg and Muhammad Ali, respectively, were his favorite athletes); and going to the movies with Jeanne and his family, especially when a new Denzel Washington movie premiered. His mother's German chocolate cake, his aunt Eva Mae's chicken and dumplings, Jeanne's salmon cakes, homemade sausage and Pepsi-Cola were his favorite foods and drink.
While most Franklinton residents may remember Mack for co-owning/operating the Tastee Freez restaurant with Jeanne for more than 25 years, he'll be remembered by his family as a loving husband,father, brother and grandfather --- always there with a hug, listening ear or piece of advice just when you needed it.
Mack is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne; his children Scott (Susan Hager) of Harrisburg, N.C. and Kristin (Loren Gulak) of Wilmington, N.C.; three grandchildren Michael Cooper, Danielle Cooper and Myles Gulak; and his brother, Ralph (Susan Beck) of Mocksville, N.C.
A Celebration of Life for Mack will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Lancaster's Franklinton Chapel, 504 E. Mason Street, followed by a reception with family. Attendees are asked to wear colorful, casual clothes and bring their best memories of Mack!
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations in Mack's honor be made to Mount Olivet Baptist Church, where he was a member, 1245 Mt. Olivet Church Rd, Franklinton, N.C. 27525; or https://support.kidney.org
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Lancaster Funeral and Cremation Services.
Paid obituary