SDPC remembers Dr. Cooper

The School District of Pickens County (SDPC) is mourning the loss of Dr. Herb Cooper, a member of the board of trustees since 1992, representing the Clemson area. Dr. Cooper passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 2, after a battle with cancer. “The news of Dr. Cooper’s passing is a very saddening for all of us who had the pleasure to know and work with him,” said Dr. Danny Merck, SDPC Superintendent. “He has served on our board of trustees for 24 years, and he has left a legacy of supporting education that will have an impact on generations of students. His experience, insight, love for students, and love for his community will never be surpassed. I’m very grateful to have worked with him to build success for our students.” Dr. Cooper was a lifetime resident of Clemson and a 1959 graduate of Daniel High School. After graduating from Clemson University with a B.S. degree, Dr. Cooper then graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina with an M.D. degree. After a one-year internship at Greenville Memorial hospital, he spent over four years in the U.S. Army Medical Corps with one year in Vietnam, where he received a Bronze Star. He also spent over three years in Berchtesgaden, Germany, where he met and married his wife, Traudl. In 1973 he returned to Clemson and served as a Family Practice physician in the Clemson and Pendleton area until his retirement in June 2015. In 2013 he was selected to be a member of the inaugural class of the D.W. Daniel Athletic Hall of Fame. Dr. Cooper is survived by his wife and two children, Herbie and Heidi. Funeral arrangements for Dr. Cooper will be announced on Wednesday, Aug. 3.