Joseph Foster Cooper, 57, of Hartwell, died Friday, April 23, 2010.

Born Nov. 14, 1952, he was the son of the late Elvin Foster and Margaret Harris Cooper.He was a 1970 graduate of Hart County High School and a 1976 graduate of the University of Georgia. He began his career with the Hart County Health Department where he was employed for 10 years.He then moved into the insurance business and was employed by Franklin Insurance Agency for 20 years. He served in the Army National Guard and was a member of the Bowersville Masonic Lodge and the Lake Hartwell Shrine Club. He enjoyed music, boating, hunting, fishing, and especially being with his children and friends.

He is survived by his two sons, Matthew Scott Cooper of Hartwell and David Joseph Cooper of Charlotte, NC; one brother, Al (Connie) Cooper of Waynesboro; one sister, Beverly Tippens of Gainesville. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Kelly Anne Cooper, and a son, Scott Foster Cooper; his sister, Cathy Cooper Strickland; and a brother-in-law, John Tippens.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 26, 2010 in the Fellowship Hall of Hartwell First Methodist Church. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Hart County Humane Society, PO Box 1062, Hartwell, GA 30643 or to the American Cancer Society, 1684 Barnett Shoals Rd, Athens GA 30605.

The Strickland Funeral Home - Hartwell Chapel is in charge of all arrangements.On-line condolences can be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.