Nathan Cooper Hales, Sr., age 89, of Kenly, passed away Friday, May 9, 2025, at UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh.  He was born, October 23, 1935, in Johnston County to the late James Bernice Hales and Cora Mae (Fields) Hales.  In addition to his parents, Cooper was preceded in death by his son, Nathan C. Hales, Jr; and his siblings: John (Jabo) Hales, Eunice (Monk) Nichols, Pearl Holland, Sam Hales, Hattie Edgerton and Grace Morris.

Cooper graduated from Kenly High School following two years of service in the U.S. Army; he returned to Johnston County and married Mildred Alford on August 1, 1959.  Cooper was one of the first employees hired at Shallcross, an electronics company in Selma where he worked prior to devoting himself full time to his love of breeding, raising and training bird dogs.  If you spoke of bird dogs in eastern North Carolina, Cooper Hales name came up.

Not only was bird hunting and his dogs a great love of his, but he had another passion which was coaching summer league Babe Ruth baseball. He coached for over 20 years and touched a lot of young men's lives, many of whom he kept in touch with through the years. His team won the 1988 NC Babe Ruth state championship.  Some of his fondest memories were on the field. He was honored with a sign dedicated to him for his commitment to the development of the baseball fields in Kenly (KAPARC) and dedication to his teams.

Cooper was the definition of a loyal and dependable husband, father, grandfather and friend. If he told you he was going to do something there was no doubt he would.

Cooper is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Mildred Hales, his granddaughter, Allison Hales D'Aprile and husband Zach D'Aprile; his sister Pauline Bridgers; as well as several beloved nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate Cooper's life will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Kenly Missionary Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:00 p.m. prior to the service at 7:00 p.m.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Kenly Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Kenly Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund, 1730 NC-222, Kenly, NC 27542.