Gary Michael Cooper

Gary Michael Cooper, distinguished Atlanta trial attorney, lover of baseball, and beloved family patriarch, was born July 31, 1951, in Dayton, Ohio, to Willow Dean and James Glynn Cooper. Born six years later, his sister April, known to him as Sis, became a partner in mischief with whom he shared a lifetime of memories. The Coopers put down roots in the Belmont community of Dayton.

Belmont exemplified the best of post-WWII middle-class neighborhoods allowing Gary a childhood with extended family nearby, days spent riding bikes and playing until dark, shortcuts to the local library, and walks to school, the movies, the bowling alley, and most importantly, the ballpark. It was there, in those unhurried Dayton summers, that his cousin, Jimmy Cooper, taught him how to throw a curveball, and where local sportswriters first took notice of the young player, following his career from those early days all the way through his time as a professional.

At Belmont High School, Gary, an elite multi-sport athlete, lettered in baseball, basketball, and football, and as he was known to remind folks, graduated as the top male student academically in the class of 1969. He went on to Miami of Ohio University, where he became the school's first All-American baseball player, and later was inducted into the Miami Athletic Hall of Fame. As proud as he was of those honors, it was the lifelong friendships forged with his 1973 Mac-championship teammates that he cherished most. Gary possessed a phenomenal memory for nearly every play, relishing the memories created by those years of competition with this unique brotherhood.

Gary graduated with honors from Miami of Ohio with a B.S. in Business, then signed with the Texas Ranger organization, playing several seasons before retiring from the game and attending Georgetown Law School. Upon making law review and graduating in 1978, Gary began his legal career in Atlanta with the firm of Powell Goldstein. It was there he met the golf partners who would remain constants in his life until his last round with them in 2021. He later partnered with Tom Harper in Cobb County, developing a law practice of integrity and courtroom skill that defined him for decades.

In 1985, Gary met Jo Bell and fell in love with her and her two sons, Matthew and Garrett. He made a commitment to Christ in 1986 and was baptized alongside Matthew and Garrett the same day. Gary and Jo married on November 21, 1987; he adopted the boys, and their family life began in Duluth, Georgia, in Sweet Bottom Plantation, where they would live for thirty-three years. The confirmed bachelor became the father of four with the births of daughter, Abby, in 1988 and son, Casey in 1990. A new level of joy began.

The years that followed were full ones. Gary established his own law firm in Gwinnett County, tried hundreds of cases across metro Atlanta, coached his kids, and showed up for every game and every event. What set him apart, beyond his courtroom prowess, was his instinct to share what he knew. He gave freely of his time and legal expertise to attorneys in need, because he genuinely believed that understanding a legal concept and having knowledge that may be helpful meant you had an obligation to pass it on.

Gary believed his children could accomplish anything they set their minds to and encouraged them to follow their hearts. He cherished his time with them riding roller coasters, playing video and board games, working puzzles, and being, without apology, the biggest kid in the room. To this day not one of his children can pass up the opportunity to emulate their father's talent to misuse lyrics of 60's and 70's hits to make cringe-worthy puns or points of imaginary wisdom.

On the last day of 2020, Gary and Jo moved to beautiful Thomasville, Georgia. In his final years, he found joy through the ministry of First Baptist of Thomasville, quiet pleasure in birdwatching, enchantment in Jo's garden, and happiness in visits from family and friends. He especially cherished giving Abby in marriage to Andrew Gayman, and dancing with her at her wedding.

Gary passed away peacefully at home May 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

At his request, there will be no public memorial, but if you knew Gary, he'd want you to share your favorite story about your kids, your life, or baseball. In doing so, you'll be honoring him exactly as he wished.