ProRodeo Hall Of Famer Roy Cooper Dies In House Fire At 69

Introduction

The Rodeo World Mourns the Loss of Roping Legend Roy Cooper

The rodeo community is in mourning following the heartbreaking death of legendary roper Roy Cooper. Known as The Super Looper, Cooper tragically passed away on Tuesday night when his home in Decatur, Texas, was consumed by a devastating fire. Emergency dispatch received a call around 7 p.m. reporting the fire, and when firefighters arrived, they found the one-story home fully engulfed in flames. The details surrounding Cooper’s cause of death have yet to be revealed.

Roy’s son, Tuf Cooper, confirmed the loss in an emotional Facebook post early Wednesday morning, expressing the shock and sadness his family is experiencing during this unimaginable time:

“It is with great sadness that our family shares the passing of our Dad, The Super Looper, Roy Cooper. We’re all in shock and at a loss for words from this tragedy at the moment.”

A Legacy of Rodeo Excellence

Roy Cooper was not just a rodeo icon; he was one of the most accomplished cowboys in the sport’s history. Beginning his career with a bang, he was named Rookie of the Year in 1976, and from there, his legacy soared. Cooper went on to win an impressive seven world championships—six in tie-down roping, one in steer roping, and one all-around title—dominating the rodeo scene, particularly throughout the 1980s.

In 1983, Cooper added the PRCA All-Around World Title to his collection, and he proudly wore the trophy belt buckle that accompanied the honor ever since. As he told ProRodeo Sports News in 2023, the buckle was the only one he ever wore, and he had never taken it off. He shared that the only person he would ever take it off for was his close friend, country music legend George Strait.

“It’s the only one I wear. Since I won it, I’ve never taken it off,” Cooper said. “Actually, I would give it to George Strait if he would wear it. I would because he’s one of my very best friends.”

Roy Cooper and George Strait: A Legendary Friendship

Roy Cooper and George Strait’s bond was one of mutual respect and deep friendship. Cooper once shared the story of how he and Strait first met, a tale that reflects the deep connection they shared. After an event in Oklahoma City, Cooper was introduced to Strait’s manager, who took him backstage to meet the country superstar. When Cooper walked in, he found George sitting alone, and the two spent the next two hours talking.

“Me and him sat there and talked for two hours before he had to play. We just connected,” Cooper recalled. “He’s one of the best friends I could’ve ever had.”

George Strait Pays Tribute to Roy Cooper

The passing of his dear friend left George Strait devastated. In a brief statement shared on social media, the King of Country expressed his grief:

“We lost our good friend and my hero Roy Cooper yesterday. He’s with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ now. God be with the Cooper family and friends. We’ll miss you amigo. I’ll come find you one day,” Strait wrote.

A Family Man

Roy Cooper leaves behind a legacy not only in the rodeo world but also within his family. He is survived by his three sons—Clint, Clif, and Tuf—all of whom are National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifiers. He is also survived by his daughters-in-law and grandchildren, all of whom were close to him and remained by his side throughout his storied career. Roy lived in Decatur, Texas, where he was a constant presence in the lives of his family and the rodeo community.

As the rodeo world and his family mourn the loss of this incredible cowboy, Roy Cooper’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes. He was not just a champion in the arena; he was a beloved friend, father, and role model, whose impact on the sport and his loved ones will never be forgotten.

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