Wylie ISD is saddened to announce the passing of Raymond B. Cooper, namesake of Cooper Junior High and a beloved figure in the Wylie community. Born on May 1, 1932, to W. B. Boone and Mabel Axe Cooper as the youngest of twelve children, Mr. Cooper was a dedicated leader who left a lasting impact on Wylie ISD and the community.
In 1957, Mr. Cooper founded Universal Transformer Company, which operated in Wylie for 45 years. His service extended beyond business, as he was an active member of several organizations, including the Wylie Lions Club, the Wylie Chamber of Commerce, and the North Texas Municipal Water District. He was recognized as Wylie’s Citizen of the Year twice and, in 2006, was named one of Collin College’s “Living Legends.”
A cornerstone of Mr. Cooper’s legacy is his role in founding the Wylie Christian Care Center, which has provided critical assistance to countless families with food, clothing, and utility support.
He was married to his late wife, Sue, for 67 years, and together they raised three children, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mr. Cooper’s lifelong generosity and dedication to service will continue to inspire Wylie ISD and the greater Wylie community for generations to come.
