RANKIN CO., Miss. — The family of Alex “Buddy” Cooper is speaking publicly for the first time since he died after a crash while driving a school bus in Rankin County, sharing what drove his legacy beyond portraying Santa Claus for children in need and troops.
Buddy Cooper’s son, Gabe Cooper, said his father bonded with people wherever he went to lift everyone. It was part of his calling to serve others for his religious purposes.
Gabe Cooper noticed time away from serving children in need took a toll on his father after the holiday seasons passed…