Tony Coppage of Dade City, Florida passed away on Wednesday, January 5th, 2022 in Dade City, Florida, surrounded by family, at the age of 68.
He was born on March 5th, 1953 to Will and Emma Hulean Coppage, in Clermont, Florida. He grew up in Groveland and graduated from Groveland High School.
During high school, he was very active and passionate about the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization. He was President of the local FFA chapter in Groveland and rose to become the 5th Vice President on the state level. He received the American Farmers Degree, at special ceremonies held during the 47th National Convention in Kansas City Missouri. He was also awarded the Star Farmer Award, by Graham Payne, President of Peoples State Bank in Groveland, for outstanding farmer of the year.
After high school graduation, he was very connected to his community. He worked in agriculture with many local farmers, and companies such as Tropicana, and Evans Properties, Inc. He was an entrepreneur, and built and operated several small businesses, supporting the local economy and community.
Tony was a devoted and loving son, brother, father, and grandfather. His family meant the world to him, and he cherished every moment that he got to spend with them.
He enjoyed many activities throughout his life. He was a member of a bowling league as a young man; and he loved cars, trucks, motorcycles, jet skis, and airboats!
Tony was an avid hunter and fisherman his entire life. He learned to hunt and fish as a young boy from his dad, and he shared his knowledge and experience with his friends, children, and grandchildren. He also had a passion for cooking and was once the owner of a restaurant in Labelle. He loved cooking for his family and friends, and many times he hosted fish frys and gatherings for them, and at every gathering, he had enough food to feed an army! Many good times were had, and great memories were created.
He never met a stranger, whether in an airport, grocery store, mall, or on the street. He had the unique ability to connect with those around him. Whether it was sports, food, hunting, fishing, the weather, business, or just being a farmer, Tony could find something to start a conversation with anyone around him, which many times led to them becoming fast and lifelong friends.
He is survived by four children: Misty Action (Jason), Levi Coppage (Lea), Ben Coppage, Savanah Coppage, and two step-children: Mallory Malone and Shane Malone. Eight grandchildren: Heavin Holloway (Sherri), Zachary Action (Misty), Jamall Malone, Jase Malone, Jaxton Malone (Mallory), Marianna Malone, Ayden J. Malone (Shane), and Sterling Coppage (Levi & Lea) due in April 2022; and by his precious mother Emma Hulean Coppage. Siblings, Connie Orren (Ray), and adopted brother Harold Hanks (Judy). His nephew Daniel Orren (Michelle), and their daughter Hudson.
He was preceded in death by his father, Will Coppage; oldest sister, Gail Kirkland; daughter Sherri Coppage; and son William Coppage.
Tony was loved by all who knew him and leaves behind a loving family, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Future Farmers of America organization. They can be sent to Southlake FFA Alumni - 984 Sloans Ridge Rd - Groveland, FL 34736 - in memory of Tony Coppage.
Viewing is open to the public and will be on Saturday, January 15th from 10 am-12 pm. The funeral will follow at Noon and will be a private ceremony for immediate family members only because of Covid concerns. Thank you for understanding.
The family asks that all attending please wear a mask.
Arrangements by Hodges Family Funeral Home, 301 Chapel, Dade City, FL
Visitation
Hodges Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center
Saturday, January 15, 2022
10:00 AM
11441 US HIGHWAY 301
Dade City, Florida 33525