Captain (Ret.) Jay C. Copley

Captain (ret.) Jay C. Copley from Columbus passed away at his home on March 29, 2022 after a brief illness.

Funeral services will be held, 11:00 AM April 1, 2022 at the Chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907. Interment with full military honors will be held at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery following the service. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Captain Copley was born on November 3, 1931 in Buchanan Kentucky. Captain Copley entered the military in November 1949. He served two tours of duty in Korea from 1950-1951 and from 1952-1953. He went to Vietnam in 1967. On May 5, 1968 he led the attack on LZ Ichiban, during the battle of An Bao, to relieve Alpha Company. He was gravely wound during this conflict and received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions. In 1969 he returned to Vietnam for a second tour of duty. His other awards and decorations include the: Silver Star, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantry Badge with Star. Captain Copley retired from military service in 1973.

He is survived by his wife, Wilfriede, daughter Evelyn Perry (Rick) and son Jay Copley (Bridgyt). He leaves behind four grandchildren: Ben, Lauren, Calee, and Carly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Infantry Museum or Columbus Hospice.