Fred Cooper

Frederick Eansor Cooper, 83, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday June 14, 2025. 

Born on January 18, 1942, at Archbold Hospital in Thomasville, Georgia, Fred was a true Southern gentleman-gracious, principled, and deeply committed to his family, his work, and his community. 

Fred spent his early childhood in Tampa, Florida (1945-1950), before moving with his family to Greenville, South Carolina (1952-1961). He graduated from Parker High School in 1960, earned his undergraduate degree from Washington and Lee University in 1964, and received his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1967.

Following law school, Fred served in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG), with assignments in Utah and Germany. In 1966, he married Helen Dykes. Though they later divorced in 2010, their decades-long marriage was filled with family, love and shared accomplishments.

Fred began his professional career in law and joined Flowers Foods in 1973 as the company's first General Counsel. Over the next sixteen years, he rose to become President and Vice Chairman of the Board, guiding Flowers Foods' growth from a regional bakery to a Fortune 500 company. In 1990, he launched his own business, Coopersmith, which he led until 1997. Throughout his career, he was known for integrity, vision, and effective leadership.

Fred was also deeply engaged in political service. In the early 1980s, he served as Chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, where he was instrumental in helping to establish a two-party political system in the state. He served as Georgia campaign chairman for both George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, and in 2003, was appointed by President George W. Bush as Chairman of the Host Committee for the G8 Summit in Sea Island, Georgia.

Later, Fred turned his energy toward philanthropy and civic advancement, focusing on education, healthcare, conservation, and economic development. He served on the Board of Trustees for Washington and Lee University and the University of Georgia Foundation. He was closely involved with the Winship Cancer Institute and the Mayo Clinic as well.

Fred was a pioneer with the Georgia Research Alliance, supporting innovation and startup growth across the state. He also served on the boards of both the Georgia State Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan Atlanta Chamber, working to promote economic development and a stronger future for Georgia.

He also supported causes that reflected his love of nature and history, including the Owens Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, Zoo Atlanta and the Atlanta History Center.

Fred's greatest joy came from time spent with his family. He is survived by his oldest son, Derick Cooper, and Derick's wife Beckwith, along with their daughters Preston, Carter, and Raleigh; and by his youngest son, Jay Cooper, and Jay's wife Hillary, and their children Sam and Charlotte. He was a loving father and grandfather whose wisdom, warmth, and unwavering presence left an indelible mark on their lives. 

Fred embraced life fully. He was an avid traveler, a passionate foodie, and a devoted fan of Porsches. He enjoyed golf, skiing, hunting, and above all, good company. Whether at a family dinner or a boardroom table, Fred brought sincerity, insight, and a quiet generosity that lifted those around him.

A funeral service will be held in Thomasville, Georgia at the First Presbyterian Church, at 11:00am on Friday June 20, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in his memory to the Alzheimer's Association. 

Frederick Eansor Cooper will be remembered for his principled leadership, his deep and lasting contributions to Georgia's civic and business life, his generous heart, and the love he gave so freely to those around him. His legacy lives on-in institutions, in community, and most of all, in the family who loved him dearly.