Thomas Martin Cooper, 75, of Wytheville, Virginia, passed away on March 4, 2026, in Wytheville, Virginia. Thom was born on June 25, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, to Russel and Helen Cooper. He grew up alongside his two brothers, Ernest Cooper, who preceded him in death, and David Cooper.

Graduating from Kimball High School in Royal Oak, Michigan, in 1968 ,and from Wayne State University in Detroit in 1972, he enjoyed working as a cartographer at Michigan Wisconsin Pipeline Company from 1972-1973, at Michigan Consolidated Gas Company from 1975-1977. While working at ANR Coal Company from 1977-1983, he was transferred to Roanoke, Virginia, where he met his wife Penny. Soon after that, he felt called into the ministry and attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Louisville, Kentucky, where he received his Masters Degree in Theology, in 1987.

After pastoring several churches in Virginia and Florida, Thom and Penny were invited to start a School of Ministry in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2006. While living in Johannesburg, South Africa, for 3 years, they taught at the School of Ministry, held an Annual International Pastors and Leaders Conference each year, and traveled all over South Africa, sharing the Unconditional Love of God and returned home in 2009. In 2011, they were invited to return to South Africa to share the Good News of God’s Love. They continued their follow up ministry in South Africa, for several months at a time, for over 15 years, where they shared the authentic identity of God and Humanity. They were also invited to minister several times over the years in Zimbabwe and Haiti.

Thom is survived by his beloved wife, Penny; his children, Matthew Cooper (Tracy Cooper), Emily McNabb (George McNabb), Wendy Pease, and Shane Carroll (Donna Carroll); his grandchildren, Heath Nelson, who preceded him in death, Brent Rigney (Sarah Rigney), Weston Pease, Noah Pease, Mylee Pease, and Ian McNabb; his great grandchildren, Juliette and Amelia Rigney. He also left behind extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

Thom will be remembered for his kindness, thoughtfulness, how he made everyone feel special, how he affected many lives with his loving counseling, and his passion for sharing the Truth all around the world. A Celebration of Life service will be held and announced later.

Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, VA is serving the Cooper family.