Richard was born to Rev. Richard and Earline Moss Cooper. Richard is the seventh child among his siblings. Richard comes to EBC, Memphis, from the Boston Baptist Church in Memphis where the pastor is Rev. Dr. Ydell Ishmon, Sr. Richard served as his pastor's chief armourbearer for two years. Richard has been the senior pastor of EBC since September 1997. Richard graduated from The High School (Central) in Memphis, TN, and earned several prestigious degrees. A BA in Entrepreneurship (Magna Cum Laude), an MBA in Marketing, Juris Master, Ph.D. in Legal compliance from Liberty University, and a Doctorate in Theology from Freedom Bible College and Seminary, Rodgers, Arkansas. Richard was awarded the National Academic Honors Society for Freshman and inducted into the prestigious Omega Nu Lambda, Alpha Lambda Delta, and Delta Mu Delta National Honor Society! Richard is the proud father of two children (Jasmine & Richard) and one grandson Jayden. Richard is an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Memphis Grizzles, and Memphis Tigers. Richard is a renowned chef and baker. Richard opened his first bakery (Buttercups) in 2016 to the public for the first time.