Joseph W. “Joe” Cooner

MSG (Ret) Joseph “Joe” W. Cooner, 80, of Salem, AL died peacefully at Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital, Thursday, July 20, 2023.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 PM (EST) on Monday, July 24, 2023 in the Chapel of Vance Brooks Funeral Home, Phenix City, AL with Rev. Kevin McDonald officiating. Interment with U. S. Army Honors will follow in Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until the funeral hour on Monday at the funeral home.

MSG (Ret) Cooner was born December 24, 1942 in Sylacauga, AL son of the late Elmer W. Cooner and Dorothy May Kimbrell Cooner. He had retired from the U. S. Army after 26 years of dedicated service to our Country. MSG (Ret) Cooner served in Viet Nam, two tours, and Desert Storm serving in both the 101^st and 82^nd Airborne. After his military career, he worked with the TREC as an Electrician, while continuing to serve with Alabama National Guard as a Mechanic where he retired. He loved to build and fly remote control planes and ride his motorcycle with his friends. Mr. Cooner was also a long-time member of Landmark Church of the Nazarene where he worshipped and fellowshipped with family and friends. He has left a proud heritage of patriotism, love of God and family for us to remember.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Dorothy Cooner; his first wife of 50 years, Sarah “Bootsie” Elizabeth Cooner; two siblings, Jerry Cooner and Jeanette Cooner Butts.

Survivors include his wife, Pamela Cooner, Salem, AL; five children, Elizabeth Michelle Cooner, Crawford, AL, Joseph “Joey” W. Cooner, II (Lyne), Salem, AL, Amy Rebecca Mills (Jeff), Crawford, AL, step-son, Nolan Oglesby (Stacy), Salem, AL and step-daughter, Jenna Oglesby (Jacob), Auburn, AL; “adopted” daughter, Sharon Fox, Opelika, AL; two sisters, Elaine Machen, Sylacauga, AL and Catherine “Cat” Morris, Salem, AL; six grandchildren, Kaley York (Joey), Mallory Wood (Michael), Trey Cooner (Elizabeth), Todd Cooner, Tabitha Cooner (Logan) and Charlie McLachlan; seven great-grandchildren, Gracie Elizabeth, Mary Katherine, Avery Parker, Sarah Jo, Harper Leigh, Aspen Ruth and Grayson; several nieces, nephews and many friends.