Via, Sr., Thomas Cooper

Thomas Cooper Via, Sr of Blacksburg beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather went to heaven on December 3rd, 2013. He was born August 6th, 1931 in Critz, VA to James Lee Via Sr. (proprietor of the community general store) and Ruth Cooper Via. He was preceded in death by his brothers James Lee Via Jr, and Marshall Ney Via. After graduating from Hardin Reynolds High School in 1949, he served as a Yeoman in the US Navy during the Korean War. Cooper married Frances Newbern in Elizabeth City, NC on January 1st, 1956. They began their married life in Blacksburg, VA while he attended VPI. He graduated in 1958 with a B.S. in Business Administration and remained a life long Hokie fan. Upon graduation Cooper began his career at Leonard L Brown Insurance Agency. He was the second President of the agency from 1980 – 1998. He served two terms on the Virginia Independent Insurance Agents Board and President of the Highland Insurance Association. Cooper was a member of Blacksburg Baptist Church where he was a deacon, trustee, Sunday School teacher and a member of the Barnabas Sunday School class. He served as President of the Blacksburg Kiwanis Club, President of the University Club, and served on the National Bank advisory board. He took pride in saving the signature Red Barn while on the Blacksburg Country Club board. He was a manager on the first campaign of the Blacksburg United Way. An accomplished gardener, he enjoyed sharing his harvest with others and his roses brightened many celebrations. He is survived by his wife Frances Via; sister Virginia Via Allman; brother in-law Willard Newbern and wife Scarlett; sister in-law Catherine Via; children Thomas Cooper Via, Jr and wife Jo, Christopher Newbern Via and wife Melanie and Elizabeth Via Turbyfill and husband John; his grandchildren Nancy Via, John Christopher Via, Daniel Via, John Preston Turbyfill, James Turbyfill, Melanie Via, William Turbyfill and Woodrow Turbyfill; great-grandchild Caroline Linkous; four nephews, James Lee Via, III, John Tyler Via, Elwood Alderman and Robert Lee Alderman. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, December 5, 2013 at 2:00 pm in the Blacksburg Baptist Church with Dr. Tommy McDearis and Rev. Todd Millsaps officiating. Interment will follow in the Westview Cemetery, Blacksburg. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Cooper’s name to the Memorial Fund, c/o Blacksburg Baptist Church, 550 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA 24060. The family will receive friends from 5:30-7:30 pm Wednesday evening at the McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive, SW, Blacksburg.