Garry Lee Coppinger, aged 69, of Elkhart, left us peacefully but far too soon on September 26, 2024, at Elkhart General Hospital, following an unexpected visit to the ER. Although born on August 29, 1955 in Lebanon, Tennessee, to the late Charles B. "Shorty" Coppinger and Dorothy N. (Winfrey) Coppinger Swindle, Garry made his home and heart in Indiana for many years. Surviving him is his beautiful and devoted wife of nearly 50 years, Debra A. "Deb" (Clark) Coppinger, with whom he shared a life full of love, laughter, and countless adventures since their marriage in Elkhart in 1976.

Survivors also include his daughters Kacey L. Coppinger of Elkhart and Michelle L. (Brett) Buehrer of Angola; his brothers Larry B. Coppinger of Longmont, Colorado and John Coppinger of Marietta, Georgia; sisters Pam (Chuck) Yoder of Elkhart, Kim (Clint) Sutton of Bristol and Martha Coppinger of Marietta, Georgia; grandchildren Brittany Nelson of Pleasant Lake, Tyler (Nashley) Grathen of Edwardsburg, Michigan, Lindsay (Joe) Sevits of Fremont, Kaila Hashberger and Kaleb Hashberger, both of Vandalia, Michigan, Levi Buehrer of Angola and Scottie (Leah Ferraro) Hashberger of Mishawaka; great-grandchildren Eligh Nelson, Cooper and Noah Grathen, Damon and Aurora Hashberger and Arbor Sevits and his step-mother Kathy Coppinger of Marietta, Georgia. Additionally, Garry will remain loved and be remembered by all sorts of extended family including a whole bunch of good folks down in the Marietta, Georgia area and all around Philadelphia Mountain in Grundy County, Tennessee, as well as all sorts of in-laws, outlaws, work buddies and other nefarious characters like his three "bonus sons" that included friends Chris Grathen, Scott "Skippy" Hashberger and Brett Buehrer (because between those three, someone always had bail money) and his more "down to earth" friends Gene Dyson, Phil Nelson and Sarah Flaugher (the ones you'd want to go to bat for you if the chips were down). He is also currently being grieved by his two fur babies Grace the Min-Pin and Muffin the Yorkie, who, sadly, were unavailable for comment. Many believe that they do not want to incriminate themselves by spilling the beans on what Poppy would let them do when Mama was gone. Preceding Garry in death, along with his parents, is a grandson, Nickolas A. Nelson.

Although Garry was officially "retired", his understanding of and dedication to good ethics and work values kept him busy far into his "rocking chair" years. He had had a life-long love affair with classic cars and loved to spend time working on them. Obviously, a sentence in a life story cannot give justice to just how deep Garry's passion for all things automotive was, but we would be remiss if we did not emphasize that the "garage" was Garry's happy place, and the cars were his "zen". Knowing this, it wouldn't be hard to imagine that Garry was also a devout NASCAR fan, with #24 Jeff Gordon being his favorite driver.

Garry's other passion was his family, including everyone from his dear Deb to his daughters, grands, great-grands and on goes the list. Garry's compassion for those he loved knew no bounds, and his family was the fuel that made Garry go! He and Deb has a cabin on Philadelphia Mountain in Tennessee that they would visit regularly, and they also had a special love for the Savannah/Tybee Island/Low-Country area off the coast of Georgia. He loved these places, but not as much as the memories he made there with his family. He had been making these "pilgrimages" for almost 37 years. He also assisted with little league coaching responsibilities from time to time and love to listen to Pink Floyd.

Garry was also a devout Christian and clung dearly to the words and teachings of his Savior. He was a member of The Living Room Life Center Church in Fremont and was very close to the pastor, Rev. Dan Foster and his wife Tracey. Garry was very "in-tune" with his Christian journey, and always strived to lead himself and his family towards the Lord. For Garry, surviving this world was simply "Mind over Matter"; a phrase that he reportedly instilled in his daughters and grandchildren from an early age that has become the mantra within the family on how Poppy said you should live life.

His service to his Lord was also echoed by his service to his community in his younger years as a volunteer firefighter with the Osolo Township Fire Department on the north side of Elkhart for nearly a decade. His dedicated service will always be appreciated and remembered by his brother and sister firefighters.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation is to take place and then Garry will make one final journey to all of the places he loved. But before he begins his "Farewell Tour", his family is hosting one final celebration of all things Garry at the Willowdale Park Pavilion, 1320 Olive Avenue, Elkhart, on Sunday, October 6, 2024. Friends may call from 11 am to 3 pm, or until whenever the cops show up.  Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart is assisting the family with the arrangements.

While Garry's absence will be felt deeply, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him—a kind man, a loving husband and father, and a friend to all the best kinds of people.

"I hugged you first…"