Kenneth Adam Cooper

Williamston, NC – Kenneth Adam “Kenny” “Coop” Cooper, 52, formerly of Dare County went to his heavenly rest Friday, July 25, 2025 following a brief illness. He was born in Miami, Florida on October 25, 1972.  He attended Manteo High School and was a member of the football squad.

Kenny had a passion for cooking and was a fantastic self-taught chef well known on the Outer Banks and Tidewater area for his unique culinary delights from a savory she-crab bisque to chocolate egg rolls. His style was eclectic— Asian, Mexican, Pacific Rim, Caribbean, Soul—you name it, he could serve it up. He could have easily won a Chopped Champion or Top Chef title with his unique ability to make something great out of nothing. When he wasn’t pursuing his passion for cooking, he loved fishing with family and friends, tending to his plants, squirrel family and hummingbirds, or just quietly sitting on the beach or by the water enjoying reading scripture and talking to the Lord. If there was a friend in need, Kenny never hesitated to step up. When Irene flooded the Tri-Village, he went around helping neighbors pull up carpet and helped refurbish a friend’s home. He wouldn’t take a dime for his labor just the crew that assisted. He said he couldn’t profit off another’s heartache.

Kenny’s mischievous smile and delightful sense of humor endeared him to practically everyone who was privileged to know him. Kenny found a little humor in everything even when he’d get scammed he’d say, “That’s how they get ya!” with a big grin on his face.

Kenny was predeceased by his father Dan Cooper, Jr. formerly of Elizabeth City; his sister, Crystal Gayle Cooper of Kill Devil Hills; a stepbrother, Randey L Rich, Jr. of Superior, WI; and his beloved aunt and uncle Marsha and William S “Billy” Brown, Jr. of Manteo.

He is survived by his mother Donna Farrel Rich and stepfather Randey Rich of Williamston, NC; a brother, Stephen S. Cooper (Janie) of Poquoson, VA; a sister, Denise N. Cooper (Sammy Goff) of Pensacola, FL; a nephew, Austin C. Cooper (Priscilla) of Williamston; a niece Kayla Mesbergen (Andrew); two grandnieces, Dahlia and Willow Mesbergen of Pensacola, FL.; a stepsister-in-law Carolyn Rich and daughter Briley of Superior, WI. In addition, surviving are cousins, Bonnie Brown Mueller Rowe, Jeffery Mueller, William S “Bill” Brown III, Ben, Elizabeth and Kristian Brown and many other cousins and brothers from other mothers.

A celebration of life ceremony will follow later this fall in Manteo for Kenny and Crystal for those who wish to say their farewells. The date will be posted when arrangements are finalized or email donnarich@me.com to be updated. Please leave a message of comfort at gallopfuneralservices.com.