Was Roy Cooper married? All about the family as Rodeo Legend dies in tragic fire

Rodeo legend Roy Cooper, also known as “The Super Looper,” died in a house fire at his Decatur, Texas, home on April 29, 2024, at age 69.

His youngest son, Tuf Cooper, confirmed his death in a Facebook post. He wrote,

“It is with great sadness that our family shares the passing of our Dad, The Super Looper, Roy Cooper. We’re all in shock and at a loss for words from this tragedy at the moment.”

Roy Cooper was married to Sharon Cooper, also referred to as Shari Smith Cooper by several outlets. He is survived by his wife and sons Clint, Clif, and Tuf.

According to a report in People Magazine, authorities responded to a call about the fire around 7 p.m. local time on April 29, 2025. They discovered his body inside about 30 minutes later. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) also confirmed the news.

He started his career in 1976 and won a world championship in his first national finals. During this time, he earned the name “Super Looper” after winning the Rookie of the Year award. He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1979.

Here is everything to know about the late Roy Cooper and his family

The rodeo legend was married to Sharon Cooper, as indicated by property records listing them as co-owners of the home where the fatal fire occurred.

Known for his speed, consistency, and rope-handling skill, Cooper inspired generations of cowboys and mentored many young athletes in the sport. According to a report in the New York Post, his father was Dale "Tuffy" Cooper. He was a champion cowboy, and his mother, Hadley, was born and raised on a ranch, entrenched in the cowboy lifestyle from birth.

Speaking on his career in February 2025 at the Let's Freakin' Rodeo podcast, he said:

“I don't know if I'm Super Looper. I'm just Roy. I'm not one to brag on myself and there are so many good ropers today. You can't compare me to Toots Mansfield or Dean Oliver because we were in different eras. I had my time for 10 years there.”

His sister, Betty Gayle, died in 1999 after a battle with cancer. She was a nine-time world champion and a National Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductee. He also had a brother named Clay, per a report in The Oklahoman.

Cooper’s wife, Shari Smith Cooper, is the owner of All Around Reality, a real estate firm in Grangeville, Idaho, per her Facebook.

His son, Clif Cooper, went to Decatur High School, is a cowboy, and is in the real estate business, as stated on his social media. He is married to Terry Cooper, and they share a daughter.

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Clint Cooper is his eldest son, per Amarillo Globe-News, and an eight-time world champion. He is also a four-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier. Tuf Cooper is their youngest brother who has won the PRCA world title over the past years. In 2010 and 2011, all three of the Cooper brothers competed at the NFR.

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