Willard Copley, 83

Willard Copley, 83, of Debary, Florida, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2015 at his residence.

He was born July 9, 1931 in Prenter, WV (Boone County), son of the late R.A. and Matilda Wallace Copley. He was married to Betty L. Swain on April 4, 1953 in Jackson, Ohio. Willard was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War. He was a graduate of Rio Grande High School, the University of Rio Grande, received his master’s degree from Marshall University and did post graduate work at Ohio University.

Willard taught at Vinton Elementary, Rio Grande High School, former Superintendent of the North Gallia District, Assistant Principal at Jackson High School, Guidance Director of Jackson City Schools, and a Field Supervisor of Student Teachers at the University of Rio Grande. He was a 50+ year member and Past Master of Centerville Lodge 371 Thurman, Past District Education Officer and Past District Deputy Grand Master of 12th Masonic District, life member of the Ohio Education Association and the Ohio Retired Teacher Association, life member of VFW, Salt Springs, Florida, former teacher and Sunday School Superintendent of Simpson Chapel United Methodist Church in Rio Grande. He enjoyed golfing and fishing.

Surviving are his wife, Betty L. Copley of Debary, Florida; two daughters, Susan (James) Musgrove and Lori (Michael) Brannan, both of Debary, Florida; grandson, Ryan (Cassie) Elliott of Gallipolis and granddaughter, Jillian (Travis) Souders of Lancaster, Ohio; three great grandchildren, Todd and Brianna Elliott and Trent Souders; two brothers, Morgan (Norma) Copley of Pickerington, Ohio and Robert (Ruth) Copley of Thurman, Ohio; two sisters, Mary (Jim) Webb of Smithville, Tennessee and Judy (Fred) Rullman of Thurman, Ohio.

In addition to his parents, Willard was preceded in death by two brothers, James Copley and Eugene Copley.

Services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the Willis Funeral Home with Bob Powell officiating. Burial will follow in Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Friends may call Friday, February 13, 2015 from 6-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Masonic Services will be 8:00 p.m. Friday. There will be a military flag presentation at the graveside by area veterans.

Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.