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Remembering Hazard's Vernon Cooper
Vernon Cooper, "Mr. Bulldog," was one of Hazard Football's biggest fans. He was a part of the program since 1937 and for many years provided color commentary from the field on WSGS. "Mr. Cooper was the grandfather to the Hazard program," said former Bulldogs Coach Paul Rains, who is now at Lexington Christian Academy. "Every school should be so lucky to have somebody like him supporting them," he said. Cooper went out for football when he was 14. Coach Pat Payne told him he was too little to play so Cooper became the water boy. Except for the period between 1941-49 when he went to UK and served in the Navy, Cooper has missed very few Hazard games. He moved the chains for 20 years. Whenever the Hazard football program needed a helping hand, Cooper responded. He raised money, a lot out of his own pocket, to put up new lights, a first class field house that bears his name, and recently he spent $3000 on team uniforms. He didn't limit himself to football. When Hazard's girls won the state basketball title 10 years ago, he sat on the bench during the tournament and came up with $4,000 to buy their championship rings. Cooper, who climbed mountains all over the world, said the view from the football sidelines gave him his biggest thrill. But he kept sports in perspective. "I try to encourage kids more about getting good grades than being athletes," he said. Cooper hosted the Senior Citizen's Radio Day program on WSGS, an annual fundraiser for the local organization, for over 30 years. Click on images to enlarge
Vernon truly loved Hazard, the people, the community, the schools and all the kids that played sports. Not many of us can say we have left this world better for having been here, but Vernon could, he made this community a better place and he truly has left a big hole in this community and in our hearts, God Bless you Dr. Cooper and to your family. Peggy Roll, Viper, KY Rest in peace my old friend. You will be missed. Curtiss Herd, Somerset KY I remember Vernon coming into Lees Famous Recipe and eating off our Buffet bar.. He was a good man. I well miss him coming there to eating and taking his box with chicken home with him. I have waited on him several times there and I appreciated the times he came in there and ate. Elizabeth Bush, Hazard, KY Hazard High School sports has had much success over the years, but with success comes the most valued followers. Mr. Cooper was not just a follower of Hazard High School sports, he was Hazard High School sports. I was fortunate enough to be part of the Hazard Football Team that won the District Championship the last year that Hazard was in 2A, but more than that, that was Mr. Cooper's 50th year of following HHS Football. After we lost to Corbin in the Regional Championship, he came around and consoled all 11 of the seniors that were on the team that year and said that we would always be a part of his family. When he said it, you knew he was genuine when he said it. He always remembered who you was and what team that you played for. I honestly believe that I can speak for all of the Football Players from Hazard past and present, it was a sincere privilege and pleasure to know Mr. Cooper and an even bigger privilege to know that he knew us and treated us like family. We will sorely miss Mr. Cooper. Sgt. Mark Kilburn, Lexington, KY I didn't know Vernon Cooper that well but when I did talk to him when I worked at Food City. He was always real sweet. I loved him, my thoughts and prayers go to his family. Reba Halcomb, Leatherwood, KY Vernon was a very successful businessman. He often slipped out of the People Bank or the Insurance Agency and come down Main Street to the Hazard Rexall Drug Co. There he always met friends who would join him in replaying the Hazard game the day before. He loved sports and he loved his alma mater, H.H.S. We will always remember his interest in the students and faculty there and how kind and generous he was to them. He led the way for others to follow in his footsteps. We can say" Go Bulldogs" and remember Vernon. Elizabeth S. Duncan, Hazard, KY I first met Mr. Cooper at CVS Pharmacy. He came in one day to pick up his medication and it was close to Halloween. He wanted to know if we had some of those glasses with the big nose and mustache. I showed him where they were and he laughed all the way to the counter. He told me he was going to wear them to Peoples Bank to see what those girls thought. He had a real sense of humor and always had a smile on his face. We will miss you greatly. Hazard has lost a great friend, fan and supporter. Diane Spencer, Hazard, KY He did all the things he ever dreamed of. A good life. RIP Dr. Cooper. A friend What other person has been kinder to the Senior Citizens of our community than Dr. Cooper? We have lost someone who cannot be replaced. Melissa Vermillion, Hazard, KY Looking at the above picture of Mr. Cooper, Joe Back and Richard I have many memories from years of working in radio at WIFX and other stations, never at the same station with any of these broadcasters. However, we did work along side each other at various times. Vernon Cooper is an icon of Eastern Kentucky and his legacy shall never be forgotten; not just for the city of Hazard & Hazard High School but for all of Eastern Kentucky. Ryan Adams, Letcher County Dr. Cooper will be missed. He was a true supporter of his community. We express our sympathies for the loss of a great friend and contributor. Carol Siler, and the staff of WEKU Richmond/Lexington WEKH, Hazard WEKF Corbin I became aware of Mr. Cooper while working at the state library in 1980. After being offered a teaching job in Perry County, Mr. Cooper came to my rescue in quickly locating an apartment for me. I will always remember this act of kindness. Susan Phillips, Maysville, KY While he served on the board of the Kentucky River Regional Animal Shelter, Mr. Cooper came through for us may times in the early years when we were on the verge of closing the doors. He loved dogs and was generous in his support of our shelter. Martha Quigley, Hazard, KY Dr. Cooper was a great man that I will never forget. All of us who are members of the Hazard Football fraternity will carry him in our hearts forever! Brian Campbell, Coral Springs, FL I am very sad to hear about the passing of Vernon Cooper. My memories include the many football broadcasts he did for WSGS while walking the sidelines, and the senior citizens radio broadcast each year. My condolences go out to the Cooper family. Johnny McIntyre, Lexington, KY This was the first thing I saw when I logged in today. I use to work for Bells Market and Vernon would stop in almost every day. I always loved to talk to him about his dogs and all of his mountain climbing stories. He will be truely missed by everyone who knew him. The town won't be the same without him. He will be a legend in his time. Sue Lucas, Morrisown, TN I would like to extend my condolences to the Cooper family. Charles Stamper, Jacksonville, AR I would like to see HHS name the gym floor in his honor. Vernon used so much of his wealth to build things, now that would be a great tribute to his legacy. It's only fitting enough since the Memorial Gym is a historic building in honor of our military men and women of this city and county. So, whoever has that power, needs to work on it. Don Carroll Vernon "Mr. Bulldog" Cooper was truly Hazard's biggest fan. He was always in attendance at just about everything that had to do with Hazard High School. But his support and generosity went way beyond the Hazard area. He loved Hazard and it's people but he was always willing to help anyone who needed it. Thank you Dr. Cooper for everything you have done for the kids in this area, for being an avid lover of sports, and for everything you have done for our community. Mr. Bulldog will be greatly missed! Anonymous Dr. Vernon Cooper loved and supported southeastern
Kentucky and its people with a passion. As parents of a former
Hazard High football and baseball player, and as former members of the
12th Man Club, we appreciate how much time and energy he devoted to his
Bulldogs. He started the school year with his football picnic,
where he opened his home to players, cheerleaders, coaches, parents and
everybody else who wanted to be a "Dawg". He ended the
school year at graduation, still cheering the kids on to make the most
of their lives. One of my best memories of Mr. Cooper was his heart warming smile and the encouragement he would bestow on students at Hazard High. He was a man that was highly respected by all he came in contact with. I also appreciate the kindness that he showed my parents, Elmer and Marge Davis. He will be missed by the citizens of Hazard and Kentucky. Connie Davis Shettler, Gainesville, FL The first time I heard Vernon Cooper on WSGS, he was celebrating Hazard's 1997 Sweet 16 girls' state title. I eventually got to know Dr. Cooper and enjoyed listening to his stories about Guadual Canal to saving the life of a General from Chile or Argentina and "walking the sidelines at Hazard since 1937!" Though some of his stories had a little "extra" to them, one thing he was good at was giving his time and money to those he thought needed it. I will miss hearing that deep, gravelly voice on the radio and miss the phone calls wondering why UK wasn't winning. Brian Milam, WYMT-TV, Hazard, KY
My sincere condolences are extended to the family of Mr. Vernon Cooper. His love and friendship will live with us. His spirit of giving went above and beyond. We will miss him. Trena Caudill, DAVA, VFWA, Hazard, KY Vernon was a friend to all he came in contact with, rich or poor. Perry County has lost a legend. David Williams, Lexington, KY When it came to Hazard High School there was no bigger supporter than Dr. Vernon Cooper, I'll never forget when he told us he would buy us State Champion rings. Charlotte Sizemore Vernon Cooper did more for Eastern
Kentucky than most people will ever know. He continually devoted
his life to the mountains he loves. He did more for education
in Eastern Kentucky than most of the state's governors. He devoted most of the past fifty years to his true love. . .Hazard
Bulldog football. He knew each and every player and never forgot a name.
My favorite memory of him was giving the prayer before football games when
he would give a prayer of thanks to God for generosities a plenty, ask for
protection from injury. That would immediately be followed by an
"Amen, now go out there and Kill 'em." Wendell Combs, Danville, KY Share your comments with us |
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I will never forget the kindness of Mr. Cooper and his
wife to me when I was a student at M.C. Napier High School. I
lived in Hazard with my Aunt Opsie Oliver and worked at Hazard Drug
after school. When she died, I was left alone to find another
place to live. I met Mr. Cooper at First Christian Church when I
became a member at age 17 and also through his visits to the drug store.
He and his wife offered to have me come live in their house until I
graduated but I had already found a place that proved to be an
unfortunate mistake on my part. I still have the Bible that he and
Mrs. Cooper gave me for graduation. I was saddened to hear of his
passing as I had promised myself to go to see him on my next visit to
Hazard. He was truly a wonderful man. He touched many lives and
will be truly missed. Wanda Couch, Bradenton, FL