2024 01/19 – Ronald ‘RL’ Lee Copple

Ronald ‘RL’ Lee Copple, 85, of Zephyrhills, Florida formerly of Salem, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at his home.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 19, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home in Salem with Mr. Szymkovwiak officiating. Burial will follow at Paradise Cemetery in Salem with Military Honors accorded at the gravesite by the Salem American Legion Post 128.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 19, 2024, from 12 – 2 PM at the Funeral Home. The family has requested for memorial donations to be made to United Church of God of Zephyrhills, FL, and O’Fallon, IL, and will be accepted by the Sutherland – Rankin Funeral Home, 310 North Broadway/ PO Box 97, Salem, Illinois, 62881, (618)548-1234, who is honored to be of service to the Copple Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland Funeral Homes Facebook Page.

Ronald was born on December 14, 1938, in Salem, Illinois, the son of George Adam Copple and Goldie Pearl (Jourdan) Copple. He married Olivia Sue Wayman and she preceded him in death. Ronald married Susan Grace on April 4, 1981, and she survives.

In addition to his wife of 42 years, Susan Copple of Zephyrhills, FL, he is also survived by his son: Bart Copple and wife Marissa of North Aurora, IL; step-daughter: Patricia Berry of Poplar Bluff, Mo. Grandsons: Brett Copple, wife Abbey and Andrew Copple. Granddaughters: Amie Luther, Tabitha Daniel, husband JC, Sabrina McElhaney, husband Mike, Kristy Foutes, husband Andrew. 18 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Goldie Copple, wife: Olivia “Sue” Copple, son: Brett Leroy Copple, brother: Clarence A. Copple and step-daughter: Cynthia Sander. 3 brother-in-laws and 1 sister-in-law.

Ronald was born and raised in Salem. He served in the US Army and the Army National Guard. Ronald was an engineer with C&EI Railroad, which later became Union Pacific Railroad for 44 years. During this period, he also held title of General Chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers for 9 years. After his retirement from the Railroad, he moved to Zephryhills, Florida with his wife. He was a member of the Moose, Elks, and American Legion. Ronald was also a faithful member of the United Church of God. He enjoyed watching sports and was an avid golf player.