Roanoke, VA - Cooper Richerson Mackin, 92, died peacefully in Roanoke, Va., on Friday, January 2, 2026, after a brief illness.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, the Rev. Mary Ruetten Mackin; three children, Michele Mackin (Mark), Patrick Richerson Mackin (Shana), and Daniel Barragy Mackin (Carrie); five grandchildren, Ashley Mackin, Jessica Mackin (Thomas), Emily Fucello (Jarred), Allison Mackin (Jacob), and Pamela Fucello; five great-grandchildren; three brothers, John Mackin (Cheryl), Steve Mackin (Linda), and Jimmy Mackin (Joy); and four sisters, Cecelia Hughes, Janis Winslett (Stan), Sylvia Odom (Wayne), and Leah Washburn (George).

He was predeceased by his first wife, the late Catherine Barragy, in 1984; his father, the late Thomas Richerson Mackin, in 1973; his mother, the late Muriel Green Mackin, in 2005; a baby sister, Gloria, in 1951; a brother, the late Dan Mackin, in 2007; and a brother, the late Tom Mackin, in 2021.

Dr. Mackin was born on April 26, 1933, in Selma, Alabama, and grew up there. He lived in New Orleans for 42 years, from 1963 until 2005, when he and his wife moved to Roanoke in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

He served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. He held a master's degree in English from Tulane University (1958) and a Ph.D. in English literature from Rice University (1962). He was a long-time faculty member at the University of New Orleans (1963 to 1997), where he was a Professor of English specializing in 17th century English literature, and where he served successively as Chairman of the English Department, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost, and Chancellor.

He was an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Roanoke. He was a faithful member of the choir, and at one time a member of the handbell choir too, as well as a volunteer receptionist. Also, he completed the four-year program in Education for Ministry.

A memorial service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Roanoke at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church, 1 Mountain Ave., SW, Roanoke, VA 24016.

Arrangements entrusted to Oakey's Funeral Service - South Chapel, Roanoke, VA (540) 989-3131.