Gary Martin Coppinger

Gary Martin Coppinger died early Saturday, May 1, 2010 after a yearlong battle with lung cancer. He was founder and President of General Photographic Resources, Inc. He was an innovator, visionary and leader in the photographic industry. Born in South Pittsburg, TN to George Brice and Anna Lou Martin Coppinger, the family moved to Cleveland where he attended North Cleveland and Mayfield grade schools then graduated from Bradley Central High School. In his youth he delivered newspapers and pumped gas at Harpo's and Bob's service stations in Cleveland. He began his business career at Firestone's working for Warren Keyser as Credit Manager, then as Sales Manager at Brown Stove under Kenneth Brown. He served in the United States Army. Later, in the 60's, with his brothers, Coppinger opened a wedding and portrait studio in Cleveland before expanding into the photofinishing business. Coppinger Color Lab and its Affiliates grew to become the second largest employer in Bradley County. In 1990, Gary was named the recipient of the prestigious M.C. Headrick Award. He was involved in many community activities, including the United Way Pillars Club, Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and Junior Achievement. A member of the Elks Lodge 1944, he was an Honorary Founder of the National Elks Foundation. He served on the executive Committee of Cleveland Associated Industries. He held membership in several professional organizations including, Professional Photographers of America. A strong advocate and supporter of education, he established the Coppinger Color Lab Scholarship at Cleveland State Community College. He was a member of the Cleveland Country Club. He continued the tradition of the annual Children's Keepsake Edition, a community publication in its 64th year. He was passionately involved and dedicated to his business. He was an avid golfer and also enjoyed Tennessee Vols football. He was of the Christian faith and supporter of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his wife, Barbara Owens. He is survived by his first wife, Norma Davis Coppinger, daughter and son-in-law, Annette and Craig Frost, granddaughters, Carley and Carissa Frost; brothers, Ron Coppinger and T.E. "Sonny" Coppinger, several nieces and nephews and special friend, Mary Bowen. The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church with the Reverend Cecil Guiles and the Reverend Robert Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 4 at Fike Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the Cleveland Elk's Lodge Wednesday, May 5 at 5:30 p.m. The family suggests that memorials may be made to the youth programs at Wesley Memorial UMC, 3405 Peerless Rd. NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 or Caris Health Care, 5959 Shallowford Rd., Ste. 551, Chattanooga, TN 37412 We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Coppinger family guestbook at www.fikefh.com