A few weeks ago, I lost my dear friend, Raymond Cooper, a man who lived a rich and fulfilling 92 years. Raymond’s life was celebrated in the church he helped build, surrounded by the family he cherished and a community that deeply respected him for all he gave. His legacy will endure for generations, a testament to his unwavering generosity and commitment to others. Raymond was not just a loyal and trusted friend; he was a beacon of faithfulness and service.
Raymond grew up in hardship, raised by a single mother alongside 12 siblings. He knew the depths of struggle and hunger, often reflecting on the weight his mother carried to keep their family afloat. Over our regular lunches at Cheddar’s, where he’d always order well-done salmon, he would share stories from those early days, not with bitterness, but with gratitude for the lessons he learned and how the challenges shaped him. They fueled his drive to succeed, leading him to found a multi-million dollar business despite having no formal education or training. But Raymond rarely spoke of his financial success; instead, he focused on what truly mattered to him, which was serving others, especially those in need.
That same passion for service led him to help establish and later lead the Wylie Community Christian Care Center, which serves as our local food bank and provides emergency help for families in need. When Raymond was laid to rest, he wore his signature hat, wire-rimmed glasses, and the Wylie Way Award medal around his neck—a fitting tribute to a man who devoted his life to feeding the poor and uplifting others. His legacy will be remembered through the countless lives he touched, and in the words he lived by: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Every year, we provide an opportunity for students to learn and practice the values of caring and giving. From now until Nov. 13, Wylie ISD will collect food to support the Christian Care Center. As the largest single contributor, our district’s donations are critical to helping those in our community who are experiencing hardship. We encourage our kids to donate items on these dates. As a parent or teacher, this is a great time to take a moment to discuss the value of caring and giving and why it is so important.
I know it would make Mr. Cooper so proud to see his legacy of service carried on with every family in need helped by your generosity. Thank you for supporting our community and embodying the values of caring and giving, the Wylie Way!
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