CASTALIA, NC -- Raymond Herbert Coppedge, died September 14, 2025, at the age of ninety-one, peacefully at his home.

He worked on his father's farm until he moved to Winston-Salem to work at his uncle's Quarry. He later moved his family to Newport News, Virginia. He began working at the Newport News Shipyard and eventually became a welder for over 35 years. During his tenure there, he served as the president of the United Steel Workers Union, Local 8888, from 1991 - 1994. He started a taxi cab service for a brief period.

After his retirement, he returned to Castalia and worked for Tar River Transit in Rocky Mount, NC, first as a bus driver and later as a supervisor.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lucy B. Coppedge; his father, Bollie C. Coppedge; his mother, Pattie Evans Coppedge; his siblings, Helen (Ruby) Jones and Edward Coppedge; and a son, Stanley L. Coppedge.

He is survived by his brother Vernon Coppedge, Hampton, VA; daughter Patricia Coppedge of Castalia, NC; and son Joie Coppedge (Debra), Newport News, VA; six grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren.

Per his request, private funeral services will be held amongst the surviving children; no formal services will be held. Condolences may be sent to 986 NC Highway 58, Castalia, NC 27816.

Paid obituary