Raymond "Ray" Kopaniasz

Raymond “Ray” Kopaniasz (72) was called home to his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, 11 March, 2025. We wish to share with you the story about the two sides of one man’s heart. Ray dedicated his lifetime to his unconditional love for his family and his reverent love for his country.

Born on May 4, 1952, Ray grew up in The Glass City of Toledo, Ohio as the Vietnam War began. Shortly after graduation from Central Catholic High School, this young man already had his future planned: marry his high school sweetheart, Twila, and enlist in the U.S. Army.

Ray’s first call to duty was fighting alongside his fellow baby boomers in the war they grew up watching unfold. He was one of the lucky ones who came home to continue his life’s plan, to start a family with his young wife and to continue proudly serving his country.

Within his 47 years of dedicated service – 22 years in the Army and 25 years at the Department of Defense -- Ray and Twila welcomed two sons, Cory and Ryan. Together, they answered every single call to duty which took them to Germany, Belgium, Colorado, Washington State, and finally the Military District of Washington. With every new change of station, the young family strengthened and ultimately, they sacrificed stability to serve their country together as a family.

On September 11, 2001, Ray was scheduled to have a meeting that morning at the Pentagon; at the last minute, it was cancelled. A few minutes later, the plane crashed into the Pentagon E Ring at the first deck level between Corridors 4 and 5. The plane's path of destruction ended in the alley between the C Ring and B Ring. A missed date with Death only strengthened the resolve of Ray and so many millions of Americans on that day. We are so very grateful!

After dedicating nearly his entire adult life to his country, Ray retired in Bishop, GA with a sterling military record of service to turn his attention to and fully enjoy the true legacy he now leaves behind, his family. Ray’s sons are a beautiful reflection of who their father was, a dedicated father, a loyal husband, and a man of honor. In the final chapters of this story, Ray witnessed the joy-filled extension of his legacy, his grandchildren. Ray and his sweetheart relished in the roles of a lifetime: Pops and Grams.

Although he was a starched and pressed uniformed military man, Ray was a jokester at heart. Always ready to laugh or make someone laugh. He could hold his own in an exchange of dirty jokes; he could make any trending song a naughty one. As the story goes, and we’re sticking to it, Ray coined the term “Man Cave” long before it became a million-dollar industry.

He was an avid Georgia fan, “GO DAWGS!” He savored family vacations at the beach, Bahamas, Aruba, Tahiti, and Bora Bora. He traded tending to meticulous military financials for pruning a meticulous lawn, and cheered on his grandchildren during their various activities. He also loved the Army-Navy game which give him pride when he defeated Navy. Despite his tough past as a soldier, Ray never shied away from expressing his unequivocal love for his family. As their youngest granddaughter said, “WE LOVE YOU MORE POPS, TO THE MOON AND BACK.”

Ray is survived by his wife and partner of 54 years, Twila, their sons, Cory (Candace) and Ryan (Stephanie), and four grandchildren, the apples of his eye: Caden, Reilly, Payton, and Gracyn.

Ray’s favorite quote comes from another man who was silly, but full of wisdom, like he was:

“To the world you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world.”

Ray was preceded in death by his father, Jerome, wife Alvina, and brother, Jerry.

We will receive friends at the Lord and Stephens, West, on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. On March 29, 2025, there will be a Celebration of Life at the UGA Catholic Center on Lumpkin at noon.

Flowers are optional. If you desire, you can make a charitable contribution to Parkinson's at “donations@michaeljfox.org.”

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com