Gary Lee Copenhaver
Gary Lee Copenhaver, 73, of Charlotte, currently living in Lake Park, Georgia, an avid outdoorsman, passed away on December 28, 2022. Gary was born December 9, 1949, in Lansing, Michigan to Gerald and Arlene (Parks) Copenhaver, although he was born 40 years too late, it is said he died right on time. He started work at Bracy’s Gulf Station in Charlotte, then began working at Oldsmobile (later General Motors). During this time, he enlisted in the Marines during Vietnam. After proudly serving his country, he returned home and worked for Oldsmobile until his retirement in 1998. While he had many hobbies, his favorites kept him outdoors as a master gardener, as well as hunting, fishing, trapping, and dog trainer with the best trained hunting dogs. He also enjoyed sharing a good joke, genealogy (serving as his family’s historian), collecting stamps, coins, serving as a scout leader, along with many other hobbies.
Gary is survived by his children, Troy (Patricia) Copenhaver, Lenard (Jody Nail) Copenhaver, and Wendy (Dave Skidmore) Copenhaver; grandchildren Troy II (Raquel), Victoria (Zach), Austin, Katie, Laci, Amanda (Tim), Levi (Kaeleigh), Erica, Neva, Troy Jr., Megan, and Kassidy; along with seven great-grandchildren; and sister, Sue (Marty) Latchaw. He was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Neva in 1995; his parents; and his mother-in-law, Virginia Jones.
Friends are encouraged to support Gary’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Sunday, January 1, 2023 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI. Funeral services were Monday at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Gary’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to a Veteran’s Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.