Robert Michael Copley, 72, of Huntington, WV, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, after a short but courageous battle with Cancer. He was born October 3, 1953 to the late, Bart Copley and Agnes Seaton. He was preceded in death by the love of his life of 48 yrs., Deborah Grant Copley, and a sister, Karla Huff.
“Bob,” known by the law enforcement community, led a 49 yr. career that most would refer to as “humble, quiet, legendry, and iconic”. He started in 1974 with the Cabell County EMS before being hired with the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department in 1976. While with the Sheriff’s Department, he served in various roles and departments such as, Road Patrol Supervisor, Investigations, and the Drug Unit. He was Deputy of the Year in 1984 and 2006. He retired from Cabell County as a Lieutenant in November 2010. However, he didn’t stop there. He went on to serve the next 15 yrs. between the Drug Unit with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department and the Cabell County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
“Mike,” known by his family and close friends, was a 1972 graduate of Fort Gay High School. He was an avid sports lover, playing football and baseball, and proved that when he was most recently inducted into the 2024 Fort Gay High School Hall of Fame. He continued his love of sports through the years, following the Wayne County Pioneers, Wayne County Youth Football, WVU Football and any sport his grandchildren were involved in, because “Papaw” was his most favorite name of all. He started every day with a cup of coffee and a grin, would call his sons to check their “cad” status and end each day with a Reese Cup and a call to his grandchildren.
He is survived by his two sons, Shane and Megan Copley of Ashland, KY and Bart and Megan Copley of Huntington, WV; five grandchildren, Carson, Ethan, Ella, Jax and Finn Copley; two bonus grandsons, Bronson Damron and Kymani Moore; a bonus son, Anthony “Peanut” Cremeans; siblings, Connie Copley Garcia, Michael Seaton, George Seaton, Susan Hershoff, Melody Hart, Gary Huff, Mike Huff, Dreama Gillette, Torry Huff, Chip Huff and Kevin Huff; a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, Law Enforcement colleagues and friends.
Visitation will be Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. at Wallace Funeral Home, 1159 Central Ave., Barboursville, WV. Funeral Service will be Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 2 p.m. with Pastors Dr. David Lemming and Steve Williams officiating. Interment will follow at Lynch Cemetery on Salt Petre Rd. in Fort Gay, WV. The family will receive guests starting at 12 p.m. on Sunday prior to the service at the funeral home.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Jason Spears and the Cabell County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for their overwhelming love and support, as well as the Hospice of Huntington and Nurse Beverly Crews for their care over the last few weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you make donations to the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House of Huntington in memory of Robert and Deborah Copley.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.
