Obituary for Robert Lee Copprue Jr.
Robert Lee Copprue, Jr. passed away on April 29, 2023, at the age of 58. He was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan where he was called home to God suddenly. As he was affectionately known, Bobby was born to Minister Robert Lee Copprue, Sr., (who preceded him in death) and Zola Doretha on May 29, 1964.
Bobby graduated in 1982 from Portage Northern High School where he was active in Basketball and Football. He attended Eastern Michigan University on scholarship where he mostly played the position of outside linebacker and intended on having a professional career. Bobby then joined the U.S. Army, and after came to find his calling in the field of construction as a carpenter. He enjoyed working with his hands and took a lot of pride in his work and improving. To his co-workers, he was fondly known as “Big Willy”.
Bobby’s hobbies included fishing with his dad and playing guitar in church at an early age. He enjoyed singing, whistling tunes, and relaxing while watching sports with friends and family. Bobby’s bold, vibrant laugh and playful humor always made him the life of the party.
He leaves to cherish his life through memory, his loving children: Breana and Brandon Copprue, Stepdaughter: Brandice Barnes, Two grandchildren: (whom he adored) Paris Copprue and Dre’Kwon Bagley, Jr., his mother: Zola Doretha (Clarence) Thigpen, Stepmother: Gloria Copprue, three sisters: Cornelia (Andrew) Edwards, Angela McClinton, and Kelly (Deon) King. One brother: Jon Copprue, dedicated uncle: Gregory (Val) Clarkson, two devoted friends: Terri Ash, and Janelle Moore, and a wealth of loving aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Bobby graduated in 1982 from Portage Northern High School where he was active in Basketball and Football. He attended Eastern Michigan University on scholarship where he mostly played the position of outside linebacker and intended on having a professional career. Bobby then joined the U.S. Army, and after came to find his calling in the field of construction as a carpenter. He enjoyed working with his hands and took a lot of pride in his work and improving. To his co-workers, he was fondly known as “Big Willy”.
Bobby’s hobbies included fishing with his dad and playing guitar in church at an early age. He enjoyed singing, whistling tunes, and relaxing while watching sports with friends and family. Bobby’s bold, vibrant laugh and playful humor always made him the life of the party.
He leaves to cherish his life through memory, his loving children: Breana and Brandon Copprue, Stepdaughter: Brandice Barnes, Two grandchildren: (whom he adored) Paris Copprue and Dre’Kwon Bagley, Jr., his mother: Zola Doretha (Clarence) Thigpen, Stepmother: Gloria Copprue, three sisters: Cornelia (Andrew) Edwards, Angela McClinton, and Kelly (Deon) King. One brother: Jon Copprue, dedicated uncle: Gregory (Val) Clarkson, two devoted friends: Terri Ash, and Janelle Moore, and a wealth of loving aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.