Otis Coppersmith, Sr.

   Joseph Otis Coppersmith, Sr., 78, of Hertford, died Friday, July 24, 2020 in his home.

   Mr. Coppersmith was born in Moyock on June 20, 1942, and was the son of the late Luther B. and Elvin Clarene Jones Coppersmith. A retired truck driver with Estes Express Lines after 38 years of employment, he was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose in Elizabeth City, was a founding member of the Pasquotank County Rescue Squad, and had been active with Troop 151 of the Boys Scouts of America. He had served in the Army National Guard. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gayle Griggs Coppersmith; a sister, Myrtie Martin; a brother, Alvah Coppersmith; and by a niece, Verna Raye Hickman.

   Surviving are his three sons, Jeffrey Coppersmith and wife, Jenny Tynch, of Hertford, Bryan Coppersmith and wife, Sue, of Willard, OH, and Joey Coppersmith of Moyock; nine grandchildren, Kayelee, Lilly, Trent (Megan), Tyler (Amber), Ryan, Amanda, Dayna, Kayla, and Trisha, who affectionately knew him as "Granddad Odie"; nine great-grandchildren; a niece, Claire Atchley; a nephew, Luther Johnson; a "daughter-in-love", Judy Carter; and his canine companion, Sissy.

   Graveside funeral services will be held Monday at 11:00 a.m. in New Hollywood Cemetery, Elizabeth City, and will be conducted by the Rev. Rusty Womack. Miller & Van Essendelft, Funeral and Cremation Providers, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, is assisting the family with arrangements. 

   Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.millerfhc.com.