An upstate pastor is a patient at Greenville Memorial Hospital after being injured in an automobile accident on Jan. 27.
Gary Cooper Sr., 74, was on his way to morning services at Berea Heights Baptist Church, Greenville, when another vehicle drove through a traffic light and hit his car.
Cooper sustained several injuries, including a broken leg and pelvis, broken ribs and a bruised heart. Since the accident, he has suffered a series of strokes and heart attacks, according to a son.
Cooper, a widower, came out of retirement three years ago to lead the Berea Heights congregation. His previous pastorates include Oak Crest Baptist Church, Greenville, where he served as pastor for 27 years; Maple Heights Baptist, Greenville; Corinth Baptist No. 1, Easley; Julian Avenue Baptist (now Tanglewood Baptist), Greenville; and Good Hope Baptist, Aiken. He has also served other upstate congregations as interim pastor.