Gerald L. Copley

Aiken – Mr. Gerald Lacy Copley, 82, passed away on Monday, October 17. Born in South Boston, VA and a son of the late Thurman H. and John Evelyn Copley, he was the beloved husband of Patricia Seigler Copley for over 58 years. Mr. Copley served in the United States Air Force and served as the finance secretary for the American Legion for many years. He was employed as a rural letter carrier for over 30 years and as an accountant. Mr. Copley graduated from Aiken High School and Presbyterian College. He served as a deacon, R.A. leader, and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church in Aiken. Mr. Copley was a photographer and owner of PhotoCraft, state secretary-treasurer of the Rural Letter Carriers Association and an officer in the NARFE. He was also a tennis player and avid Carolina Gamecock fan. He is survived by his brother, Charles Copley of Kinards, SC, his three daughters, Nancy (James) Newton, Aiken, Brenda (Michael) Wright, Bella Vista, AR, and Peggy Copley and her husband, Rusty Bayles of Beaufort, SC, and his daughter-in-law, Lyall Copley, of New Ellenton, SC. Survivors also include eight grandchildren: John Copley, Lacy Copley, Angela Wright, Cassandra Wright, A.J. Newton, Chelsea Wright, Josh Newton, and Tricia Copley. Six great-grandchildren also survive him, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Dale Copley, also of New Ellenton, and by two brothers, Bill and Burt Copley of Aiken. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church with the Reverend Dr. Fred W. Andrea III officiating on Friday, October 21 at 11:00 AM. Interment with military honors will follow at Aiken Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Kyle Tilly, Burt Copley, Jr., Trey Taylor, Josh Newton, A.J. Newton, John Copley, Jim Newton, and John A. Kinney. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Rural Letter Carrier Association and the American Legion. Memorial contributions may be directed to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 3157, Aiken, SC 29802 or to Presbyterian College Scholarship Fund, 503 South Broad St., Clinton, SC 29325, attention Advisement Office. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Thursday at SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC Mr. Copley online guest book may be signed at www.shellhousefuneralhome.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gerald L. Copley, please visit our flower store.