A kingdom legacy that will forever light our way.
His Story
The Late Rev’d Gary Leslie Cooper Jr., J.P., was a beloved figure in the Grand Bahama community, known for his unwavering faith, dedication to family, and vibrant spirit.
He was as a Man of God, a faithful husband, a devoted father and family man, a community leader, an astute entrepreneur, a veteran in the barbering industry, and perhaps the most loyal, passionate, and dedicated Miami Dolphins fan in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
Born to the late Gary Sr. and Beverley Cooper on June 14, 1973, in Freeport, Grand Bahama, he received his early education at Little Flower Catholic School (Florida), Walter Parker Primary School, and Freeport Gospel Chapel, later graduating from Hawksbill Senior High School in 1990.
From a young age, Gary discovered and cultivated many of the talents, gifts and abilities that he would later become known for today. Among these, Gary demonstrated a strong work ethic, and he began his career at Pizza Hut at just 14 years old. His passion for barbering led him to Omni Technical School (Florida) for formal training, and after his completion in 1992, he returned home to continue his father’s legacy at Perfect Cuts Barbers, where he dedicated the next twenty-five years of his life.
Under his stewardship, Perfect Cuts Barbers became more than just a grooming space; it evolved into a sanctuary for men to connect, share, and grow. Holistically. Many of his clients would attest to the fact that a great haircut or shave was only a part of the transformation that was available at Perfect Cuts Barbers.
Since joining Kingdom Worship Centre Int’l in 2005, Gary quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the church’s senior leadership team." During his nearly twenty years at the ministry, Gary was known and loved for His passion for the things of God, his standard of excellence, his heart for serving others, and his unique, honest, and practical teachings. It was these qualities that caused him to be a sought-after speaker locally, nationally, and internationally. He also furthered his education at Chesapeake Bible College, earning an associate degree in 2018.
In 2007, Gary met Cleopatra Barry, and they were wed in May 2008. Prior to their union, Gary became the proud father of his beloved Destiny on March 11, 1997, and Danielle on January 1, 2000. With the arrival of their youngest daughter, Iamari Adanna Cooper (on May 7, 2014), his role as a “Girl Dad” was solidified, and he loved everything that came with it!
In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, as Gary grew in his faith, he became more and more committed to public service. In March 2016, he was appointed as a Justice of the Peace and subsequently a Marriage Officer in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in 2018. His passion for teaching and inspiring others also shone through when he took on the role of lecturer at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute in 2022.
Gary had many loves in his life – his God, his faith, his wife, his girls, his family, his church, his friends, his clients, his community, his Miami Dolphins – and the list goes on; but he served each one passionately and unreservedly. On Sunday, November 10th, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer and shortly after the passing of his beloved mother, Beverley, the Lord called him home from labor to reward at Cleveland Clinic. His legacy of love, leadership, and community service will be forever cherished by his family, friends, and the vibrant community he so passionately served.
His Team:
Left to bask in the warmth of his memories are his:
DEVOTED LOVING WIFE:
Cleopatra Barry-Cooper
DAUGHTERS:
Destiny (Chavez) Cooper-Fernander, Danielle Cooper, & Iamari Cooper
ADOPTED DAUGHTER:
Standiquah Higgs
SIBLINGS:
Arlene “Karla” Norman, Laurel “Joy” Wilson; Kamal “Kasey” Cooper; Ryan Cooper; Reginald Dean
GRANDCHILDREN:
Ezra Blair Fernander; Ashad Grant
UNCLES & AUNTS:
Elaine Berkowitz; Glen (Thelma) Burgess (England); Joan (Stanford) Lashington (Canada); George (Joan) Cooper; Raymond (Carol) Murphy; Jeffrey (Flossie) Cooper; Naomi Cooper; Georgiana, Winston Barry; Romel (Lionel) Rolle; Sheila Peters; Bishop Delcina (Dennis) Lafrenier; Kathleen Murphy
NIECES & NEPHEWS:
Roger ‘Fugi’, Keele, & Kyle Wilson; Kamille & Ava Cooper; Jada Stubbs; Zharia Rolle; Adrian, Arianna, Aria Williams; Dove, Andrew, Eunique Deveaux; Hannah Brooks
GRAND NEPHEW:
Nikai Wilson
COUSINS:
Marcia, Maxine, Vivienne, Angela, Sylvia Burgess (England); Dr. Dean Lashington; Dwayne (Kadiann) Lashington; Zavian; Levar & Kieron Lashington (Canada); Karen Urr-Innis (Jamaica); Kameisha, Keisha, Nicoy, Rendeen King (Jamaica); Craig Sterling; Granville & Heather Thaxter (England); Carol-Jackson Meyer (Australia); Tiffany Calliott (Australia); Heather Orr-Mullings (Canada); Sonia & Marvin Lockhart (Canada); Leroy (Jeanine) Graham; Garfield (Lisa), Gabby Lashington (Florida); Tequesta Cooper; Sean (Jenapher) Cooper; Miguel (Tamika) Coleman; Girmay (Tonya) Kidanemarium; Christine (Cardinal) Fernander; Genice (Wayne) Carey; Melcy (Sharon) Cooper; Desmond Cooper; Joycelyn (Eugene) Gardiner; Shontae Chambers; Dr. Shamika (Travis) Strachan; Cardrin Fernander; Denzel Johnson; Mint Eugena, Ernest, Gabriel Gardiner; Jewel (Jason) Cartwright; Kenva ‘Whitey’ Strachan; Envoy Jones; Lorna Brown; Britteny Barry; Desmond (Cindy) Peters (Florida); Ewing (Doreen) Dorsett (Antigua); Delisa, Denton & Dinero Lafrenier: Shanae (Cristen) Sanjudas; Deaconess Rosnell (Edgar) Horton; Nathilee Burton & Family; Melverne Brown; Erica (Jermaine) Bethel; Anishka Moss-Miller; Marilyn, Martha Murphy; Christine (Ivan) Ferguson; Dwayne (Victoria) Sheppard; Sterling Cooper; Dwayne Cooper; Brittany Barry-Adderley; Clifton Barry; Ramona Darville; Denicka Rolle; Monique Barry-Morris; Chamont Barry; Lauren Albury-Barry; Mark (Kendra) Murphy; Shantia (Kingston) McBride; Kristin, Sandujan Bullard; Corey (Brittany) Turner; Pillar (Johnny) Studstill; Carl Horton; Henry Murphy & Family; Meteddies ‘Nevada’ Adderley; Idoreyin Efani (Naji) Adderley; Errol & Irene Moss; Arlene, Stephanie Cooper
FATHER-IN-LAW:
Charles (Queenie) Barry
SISTERS-IN-LAW:
Shatarah Cooper; Carla Barry-Deveaux; Crystal Barry-Williams; Charlene, Heather, Tonya Barry
BROTHERS IN LAW:
Charles Oneil Barry, Trevor Barry
GODCHILDREN:
David Bartlett; Zoe Williamson; Dustin Dean; Trinity Rolle; Joel Joseph; Kai Burnett
SPECIAL FRIENDS:
Pastor Willard & Michelle Munroe; Freddie & Keisha Burnett; Kevin Johnson; Folayan Wilson; Claude Barnette; Felix & Maria Seymour; Sheldon & Erica Saunders; Nelson & Dr. Sandy Bowleg; Lori Nixon & Family; Shirley Martin & Family; Patricia Dickenson & Family; Dr. Wilfred Ferguson & Family; Eddie & Denistina Johnson; Minister J. Kwasi & Tameka Thompson & Family; Bishop Kermit & Min. Adrienne Saunders; Pastor Alvin & Rochelle Smith; Daxon & Lenora Dames & Family; Bishop Duron Hepburn; Bishop Cardinal McIntosh; Pastor Wendell McIntosh; Prophetess Carol Seymour & Family; Kaijana (Torez) Pinder; Emmanuel & Dr. Tonya Ali; Adam & Krystle Long; Min. Jonathan & Dedra Campbell; Maria, Marva & Sandra Pratt & Family; Tonya Wallace; Jeff & Shorell Moncur; Niki Farah & Family; Zorah & Iram Lewis & Family; Dr. Pamela Etuk & Family; Alicia Ferguson; Selina Fulford, Dita Victor & Family; Errol & Claudine Saddler; Pastor Christopher Roberts; Mr. Greg Smith & Family; Mr. Ramon & Ramona Taylor & Family; Tyrone & Dawnette Ferguson; Nathaniel Jones & Family; Toni Donnatto & Family; International Med-X Family; Chris Isley & Family; Tina Luckow & Family; Dr. Delbueno (Leah) Codilla & Family; Melanie Moss; Hawksbill High School Class of 1990; School of Medical Radiation Technology (UWI) Class of 1997; Lucayan Medical Center Staff & Doctors; Bahamasair Staff; and the Kingdom Worship Centre Int’l Family
SPECIAL THANKS:
Dr. Odia Stubbs; Dr. Terrell Humes; Oncology Consultant Staff; Dr. Devaughn Curling; Dr. Owen Bastian; Dr. Rafael-Bulos Arteta (Cleveland Clinic Weston); Dr. Vincent Burton; Dr. Bridgette Thomas-Sarles; Dr. Josephine Bartlett; Dr. Leonard Echemendia; and a host of other friends and loved ones too numerous to mention.
Memories
Wall of Fame
From the day I first met Gary he was always soft spoken, with a sincere smile,and a word. Gary had strong faith in the Lord. Though,some days it was a little challenging for him, Gary always found the strength to keep going. One day I asked him how he does it? How could he keep a smile on his face through all the pain...and of cause with that smile he said "Mrs. Lori some days it is really hard but, I get my strength from God, my family and my friends."
Gary cared about everyone. He would often make sure others are happy and comfortable even if it meant giving of himself.
Gary will forever be loved and remembered, and in the Words of Dr. Myles Munroe,Gary ,has passed the baton on. Dr. Myles Munroe also said, you are not important because of how long you live, instead, you are important because of how effective you live. "And That Was Gary"
Gary my friend,you touched many lives and your memories will forever be in our hearts.
May Your Soul Rest In Peace
Kendall and Lori Nixon
Class on 1990
You lived with purpose and LOVE!!!
Roger Pinder HHS 1190
Gary was everyone's rock, talking to him was comforting and he always was calm, positive and jolly. His smile will forever be etched in my memory.
My sons Johnathan and Kwmae Garland, grew up in that barber
shop also my grand sons Lamar and Levi. There isn't a time when I visit home I don't stop there. I just have to see Gary to catch up.
I love you and your family my brother.
Rest in Peace my sweet Friend.
You've made a profound impact on my life, and that of so many. When we fail to understand, God has a plan! Gary, I know you're having the sweetest sleep right now! Rest in the arms of Jesus.
-Essa Wallace
I met Gary over 30 years ago in high school, where we shared the same classes from grades 10 to 12. He was always calm, reserved, and kept to himself. After graduation, I would run into him occasionally, and each time, he would greet me with the word "classmate."
Hearing about his success in ministry, where he taught Bible study and touched many lives for the Kingdom of God, filled me with admiration.
A few months before his passing, I reached out to him for Justice of the Peace services to sign some documents. When I visited his office and saw him lying in a chair with his daughter by his side, I fell to my knees and immediately began to pray. I firmly believed that God would restore him to health, but I now realize that the Lord had other plans.
Life is short and uncertain! Therefore, we should treat each day as if it were our last. We need to leave behind any grudges, seek reconciliation with those we've had conflicts with, and move forward.
Rest in peace, my friend, for precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. May God provide comfort and strength to your wife, children, and family during this difficult time. For there is no sorrow on earth that Heaven cannot heal.
Anischa Knowles
And in my youth, He blessed me with a friend beyond compare.
Gary, steadfast and true, with a heart so deeply kind,
Despite the miles between us, his support and friendship was never hard to find.
His generosity knew no bounds, his spirit warm and bright,
Sharing all he had, bringing joy and pure delight.
More than just a friend, a brother in my heart,
He welcomed me with open arms, never set apart.
Through him, I found a family, his mother’s gentle grace,
A circle of affection, a cherished, sacred place.
A father dedicated, a husband full of love,
A loyal friend whose spirit was a gift from above.
Our bond was forged in friendship, a connection pure and deep,
A lasting fellowship, in my heart I will cherish and keep.
Gary’s absence leaves a void, a space not easily filled,
Yet gratitude remains for the time our lives were thrilled.
His memory a beacon, guiding us anew,
Though questions linger softly, like morning’s gentle dew.
We honor his legacy, the love he freely gave,
Embracing all the moments, the paths that he did pave.
In our hearts, he lingers, a melody so sweet,
A testament to friendship, now in memories, we will always meet.
"YOU ARE LOVED-GARY"
We’ll continue to lift his wife, children, and family in prayer during this difficult time. May his legacy of love and service live on in all of us.
From the first sonogram to his first haircut to dedicating his life to Christ to his 19th birthday and all the milestones in between...
This is unfathomable... Nevertheless, I, we thank God for you, Godfather Gary and pray for Goddie Cleo and the Cooper Clan.😭
Please know that our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Gary has left a mark in the lives of so many and his witness was strong for the King.
As Christians we grieve for our brother but we mourn with a hope.
Gary you will be greatly missed!
RIP my friend.
Condolences to Cleo and the entire family. I pray for God's strength and comfort at this difficult time.
It's amazing how one person has been so many things to so many people! Gary, thank you for walking with me through some of the darkest days of my life. Thank you for praying for me and my children. Thank you for checking in on me. Thank you for those calls or messages: "Hey sis!" Thank you for the encouragement every Sunday after worship. Thank you for being strong for so many even during your last days. You were an extraordinary human being. This world is better place because you were here! To a giant of a man... You will be missed and forever remembered!! Love you!
Always ready to plant a positive seed
His words were selective, kind and true
When needed he was there for you
A man of God no doubt was he
Magnificent, courageous and now free.
Free from pain
Your wings you have gained
As you rest with the Father above
I know you knew you were very much loved
Even though we are now far apart
You will live forever in our heart.
So long my friend and take your rest
We know Jesus only picks the best.
In Friendship
Ismenette aka Nertters
Class of 1990
missed. I pray God's great comfort and peace of mind for you all Love you 😍
church before he left as usual ,he gave me
a big huge and said his
famous word Love you
Sister Jackie .His memories will live on .
Take your rest my bro and friend till we meet again. Family may God continue to bless you with his peace and comfort.
Service
3B East Atlantic Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas
Internment: Le Pavillion Internment & Mausoleum, Settler's Way, G.B.
