A.Y. Cooper, Jr. (Augustus Young) age 94, of Newport News, went to be with His Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, April 3, 2025. He was born on May 23, 1930, in the family home in the east end of Newport News. He was the son of Augustus and Evelyn Cooper.
A.Y. lived his whole life in Newport News, working from the age of 12 at the Hyagia Skating Rink and later at the Palace Theater as an usher. He graduated from Newport News High School in 1947. In the early 50’s A.Y. studied electronics by correspondence with
DeForest School in Chicago. During this time, he worked at the Newport News Shipyard and served in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He was very proud of his service with the Shipyard putting his electronic training to use maintaining welding control equipment. In 1993, he retired from the Shipyard with 36 years of service.
Taking a break from the Shipyard in the mid-50’s, working as an insurance agent, A.Y. met the love of his life, Annie Laurie Ligon. He would say he knew immediately that she was the woman God had planned for him to marry. It took Annie Laurie a little longer to see it. They were married for 51 years.
A.Y. loved the Lord and was eager to share his testimony with others. He was a member of Chestnut Memorial Methodist Church as a child and young adult. He was a member of First United Methodist Church for 65 years, serving in many capacities. He believed he was in “Heaven on the Peninsula.” He shared many stories of his angel and experiencing God’s grace throughout his life, recording many of them so the family and others could have a copy of his special witness to the love and saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A.Y. could fix almost anything: cars, televisions, washers, dryers, and small appliances. He loved golf, playing well into his 90s. He enjoyed eating at the Piccadilly Cafeteria and stopping at Monty’s for a soft-serve ice cream before enjoying the view of the James River at the Mariner’s Museum’s Lions Bridge. He loved watching old, classic movies and singing old, classic songs.
A.Y. was predeceased by both parents, his wife, Annie Laurie, and his sisters, Rose and Mildred Cooper. He is survived by his daughters, Betsy Peters (David) of Harrisonburg, VA, and Laurie Anne Grecco (Darrell Sweatt) of Newport News; granddaughters Amy Bowman (Todd) of Winchester, VA, and Sarah Coffman (Ted) of Leesburg, VA; great-grandchildren, Kyle Bowman, Jenna Bowman, Phillip Coffman, and Callie Coffman. He had many dear friends, but most of them had gone before him. Jonathan Smith has been a close friend and shared A.Y.’s interest in classic cars. They enjoyed many trips to car shows and times together at church dinners.
A private burial service was held at Peninsula Memorial Park. A Memorial Service to celebrate A.Y.’s life will be held at First United Methodist Church, corner of Main and Warwick, in Newport News, on April 26 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 10246 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA, 23601.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
