Elbert "Wayne" Cooper, 81, of Etowah, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026. 

A devoted member of Cambria Baptist Church and a painter by trade, Wayne embodied dedication, faith, and craftsmanship throughout his life. Wayne’s journey was marked not only by his professional skill as a painter but also by the deep connections he nurtured within his community and family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Wallace and Vivian Holden Cooper, and his wife, Patricia Hembree Cooper. 

Wayne is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Christy Cooper, and Blake and Brandy Cooper. He took great pride and joy in his grandchildren and their spouses: Chance and Sarah Cooper, Skye Cooper, Will Cooper, Ally Cooper, and Emily Bunch. His legacy also extends to his great-grandchildren, Bryleigh Ann Brown and Forrest Chance Cooper; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Faye Lowe, Suzy and Rixey Quinn, and Ivy and Jim Morris, who shared lifelong bonds of family and affection with Wayne.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, May 21, 2026, in the chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday prior to the service. 

Interment will follow the service at Cambria Baptist Church Cemetery. 

Chance Cooper, Will Cooper, Bryce Mullins, Brad Curtis, Charles Curtis, and Rixey Quinn will serve as pallbearers.