John Raymond Coppley, Jr.

John Raymond Coppley Jr, 91, of Davidson County, passed away Saturday, July 8, 2023, at his home.

A funeral will be held 11 AM Thursday, July 13, 2023, at the Davidson Funeral Home Chapel, Lexington, with Pastor Craig Bartholomew officiating.

Burial will follow the service at Salisbury National Cemetery located at 501 Statesville Blvd. in Salisbury, NC.

The family will receive friends 6-8 PM Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the funeral home, and immediately following the committal service at the Coppley residence.

John was born on April 30, 1932, in Davidson County, to the late John Raymond Coppley Sr. and Blanche Kopela Yarbourgh. He proudly served his country in the Vietnam War, and toured thirteen different countries, living for a time in Germany and Iran; after twenty-one years, he retired from the Army as a Lt. Col. After retirement, he worked for Lexington Furniture. He was a member of Stoner’s Grove Baptist Church. Throughout John’s life, he loved spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren. Among things he enjoyed were horseback riding with his dad, going to horse shows with his wife, Joyce, driving his truck, spending time at Oak Island fishing and relaxing, and finding a good book to read. He took pride in his farm along with Joyce and was often found on the mower or carrying a hammer. John and his wife Joyce truly built a beautiful life together.

John is survived by his current wife of 36 years, Joyce Metters Coppley; and children from his first marriage: son, John Wesley Coppley and wife Meg, of Clemmons and daughter, Anne Coppley Prudente and husband John, of Greensboro. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Rebecca Johnson Coppley (d.1987). Left to cherish his memory along with Joyce are his children, John and Anne; sisters, Alice Long, of Fl, and Olive Stutts “Punkin”, of Oak Island; and six grandchildren, John Prudente and wife Natalie, Michael Prudente and wife Kelsey, Evan Prudente, John Coppley, Heather Coppley Parker and husband Matthew, and Rebecca Coppley; 3 great-grandchildren, Maddy, Maren, Owen; nieces, Libby Riddle and Melynda Beverly; nephews, Jeff Stutts and Kelly Stutts; fur baby Heidi; and the Metters family and extended friends who have been so loyal and helpful in their daily lives.

A special thanks to Bill and Donna, May. Samantha, and all caretakers who helped make every day a special day for John.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hinkle Hospice House, The Alzheimer’s Association, or The Children’s Home.