ATKINS, VIRGINIA: HAROLD HUGH COPENHAVER, age 88, died Sunday, August 10, 2014 at his home in Atkins, Virginia.
He was the son of the late Pearl and Bonnie Dutton Copenhaver, born September 19, 1925 in Wythe County, Virginia. Mr. Copenhaver was a long standing member of Davis Memorial United Methodist Church in Atkins. He was a veteran of the United States Army, proudly serving his country in World War II as well as a lifetime member of Francis Marion VFW Post #4667. Hugh was a friend to just about everybody around. You probably either knew him from his time as the manager of Vance Hardware in Rural Retreat or from his 26 years as Post Master for the Atkins Post Office. Many have known Hugh to bring a package after hours on Christmas Eve. It was said, if you'd only put the person's first name on the envelope, Hugh would make sure they got it. He took much pride in delivering and making sure that every letter to Santa was answered. He was a friend to the hikers of the Appalachian Trail, he and his wife, Doris made sure each year high school students who couldn't raise the funds for their senior trip to Washington, D.C. had the needed money to go. Speaking of trips, he and Doris loved their bus tour getaways. He was a kind, giving and loving man. There's much to say about a person who helps those who can never repay. His heart was his family, his work, his country, his community and his farming. Hugh leaves behind a wonderful family, many friends and a field of cattle, goats, horses and a couple of cats named Momma Cat and Gracie that will miss him greatly.
Hugh is survived by his wife, Doris Atkins Copenhaver of Atkins, Virginia; one sister, Nancy Garman and husband, Retired LTC Robert Garman of Fayetteville, North Carolina; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews; two great-great nephews and one great-great niece.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 12, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with Reverend David Neal and Reverend Harry Howe officiating. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion, Virginia with Military Rites conducted by Francis Marion VFW Post #4667. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, because of Mr. Copenhaver's charitable nature, a donation to the organization of your choice in his honor would be appreciated.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Copenhaver Family.