Sam Cooper, a resident at Legacy Village of Cleveland, has always lived life with heart — whether he's growing a garden, caring for his family, or lending a hand in his community. Born on June 24, 1949, in Algood, Tennessee, Sam was raised alongside his sister Janie and brother Mike by parents who valued hard work and service. His dad, Howard, spent years on the road as a truck driver, while his mom, Winnie, brought fairness and compassion to her work as a judge for the Department of Employment Security. Their home was a place where responsibility was expected, but kindness was just as important.



From a young age, Sam was the kind of kid who wanted to know how things worked. That curiosity stayed with him, and so did a quiet determination—he worked his way up to Eagle Scout, a sign of both his leadership and his willingness to put in the effort. After high school, Sam’s thirst for knowledge took him to Tennessee Tech University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology. Science fascinated him, but it was helping people that truly pulled him in, so he went on to pharmacy school at Mercer University in Atlanta.

Sam’s pharmacy career became a steady thread in his life. He spent two decades at Eckerd Drug in Cleveland, Tennessee, getting to know just about everyone in town by name. Later, he returned to Cookeville, caring for patients at the regional medical center, Rite Aid, and Algood Drug, never losing sight of the human side of medicine. He finally hung up his white coat at age 67, remembered warmly by the many customers and coworkers whose lives he touched.

But for Sam, work was just one part of a much bigger story. He met Kathie, his soulmate, at Algood United Methodist Church, and together they built a family grounded in love and laughter. Sam lights up when he talks about his daughters, Lindsay and Liza, and their families. His four grandkids—Ellie, Elijah, Natalie, and Sydney—bring him endless joy, and his great grandson, Cooper Samson Abwavo, carries his name into the next generation.

Outside of work and family, Sam put his hands and mind to all sorts of projects. He kept a garden that could feed a small army, crafted beautiful furniture in his workshop, and found peace in the pages of a good book. He collected guns, coins, and stamps, always searching for the next story or treasure. History called to him too, and he became a dedicated war re-enactor, keeping the past alive for others. And if you’ve ever tasted his cooking, you know he was as talented in the kitchen as he was in the garden or the garage.

Travel was another of Sam’s passions—he treasured trips to Maine and England, always eager to see what was around the next bend. Through every adventure, Sam’s steady character and warmth have made him the kind of person people want to be around: loyal, curious, generous, and proud of the life he’s shaped.

When you meet Sam, you get the sense that, whatever he does, he does it fully—and always with a quiet smile. We’re grateful to have him in our community, and even more so to call him a friend.