John Richard Kopp, 82, of Bolivia died January 13, 2023. He was born November 10, 1940 to the late William Albert and Sarah Johnson Kopp. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Clara Kopp Reynolds (Doug) and his sister-in-law, Barbara Kopp (William).

John was educated at Bolivia Elementary, New Hanover High School, and East Carolina University. He served with the 82D Airborne Division of the US Army from 1961 through 1964 after which he built and operated service stations and convenience stores and a 200 acre farm.

He was appointed to the NC Rural Electrification Authority and he served for fifteen years on the Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation Board. He also served on the Southern National Bank Advisory Board, Captain of the Bolivia Volunteer Fire Department, and President of the Bolivia Lions Club.

He was a member of Pythagoras Masonic Lodge 249, served as President of the Brunswick County Shrine Club and first Captain of the Sudan Thunderbolts.

He was a long time member and  Elder of New Hope Presbyterian Church.

Surviving are his wife of fifty-seven years, Donnie Gaye Hewett Kopp; son, John Richard Kopp (Kristy); daughter, Karen Kopp Ahalt (Brent); brother, William Albert Kopp, Jr., sister, Sarah Kopp Sneed (Robert); and grandchildren, Hunter Kopp, Tyler Kopp, Lexi Kopp, Justin Ahalt (Claire), Caroline Ahalt, John Ahalt; and two great grandchildren, Sophie and Lucas Ahalt.

Funeral Services will be conducted by The Rev. Lora Rissmiller at 1:00 PM, Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Brunswick Funeral Service, Southport Chapel, 3479 Southport/Supply Road, Bolivia, NC  28422. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

Burial will be in New Hope Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Casket Bearers will be Richard, Hunter, Tyler, Lexi Kopp,  Brent, Justin, Caroline, and John Ahalt.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, P. O. Box 12829, New Bern, NC 28561 or New Hope Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 160, Winnabow, NC 28479.

J