Watch George Strait Deliver a Touching Speech at Memorial for Rodeo Performer Roy Cooper

On Monday afternoon, a memorial service for legendary rodeo performer Roy Cooper took place in Fort Worth at Cowtown Coliseum in the Stockyards. Though not a native Texan, it was only natural that the ProRodeo Hall of Famer's service took place in Cowtown, where the oldest continuously running rodeo takes place to this day.

Cooper died in a house fire at his Decatur home on April 29. He was 69.

Nicknamed the "Super Looper," Cooper took home seven individual world championships (six in tie-down roping and one in steer roping) over his illustrious three-decade career. Cooper was named Rookie of the Year in 1976 before being officially inducted into the Hall of Fame just three years later.

The memorial was billed as Cooper's "last matinee performance" by his son, Tuf, and drew 34 former rodeo world champions and country music icon, George Strait, who delivered a six-minute speech honoring Cooper.
"Roy was one of my very best friends," Strait said. "I can count those on one hand. He was my hero."

Strait told a story about attending the All-American Futurity with Cooper, an annual horse race held at the Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico. When the two were asked to ride horses in a ceremonial pre-race procession down the track, Strait recalled Cooper goading him into an actual race.

"We always said they got an extra race that day," Strait said with a laugh.

Rather than flowers, the Cooper family requested donations to the Roy Cooper Memorial, which will go towards roping classes for children, ensuring that his legacy lives on.

 See more tributes of Cooper below.

Heartbroken to hear that Roy Cooper has passed, the Michael Jordan of calf roping, a true icon in and out of the arena. I grew up seeing him around town, always in awe. I’ll never forget when he and George Strait stopped by the DQ where I worked, Texas legends in real life.… pic.twitter.com/M8Bz7J2Z8E

— Snipe 🖤 (@txsnipergirl) April 30, 2025

One of Dad's favorite cowboys, roper Roy Cooper passed away this week at the age of 69 in a house fire. Roy was known as the Super Looper because of his proficiency with a rope. Please join the Daniels family in prayers of comfort for his family, friends and fans. RIP cowboy. -… pic.twitter.com/sjE8PBMQ5B

— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) May 3, 2025

34 World Champions came to pay their respects and say goodbye to the Legend; Roy “Super Looper” Cooper at Cowtown Coliseum in Ft Worth, Texas! pic.twitter.com/UozaFcRdXc

— Shaney Boy (@Shane29008046) May 27, 2025