Rigas A. Coptsias

Mr. Rigas A. Coptsias, 81, of Plains, passed away Sunday morning, November 4, 2012, at Perfect Care in Americus. Funeral services are planned for Tuesday, November 6, 2012, at 2:00 PM in the committal shelter at Andersonville National Cemetery. Dr. Michael Dent will officiate. Pallbearers will include Herschel Wisham of Plains, Charles Chappell of Americus, Frank Elmore of Macon, Don Hancock of Birmingham, AL, Steve Hancock of Athens, Dr. Michael Dent of Sylvester, Andy Dent of Fitzgerald, Fred Dent of Sylvester, Becky Robinson of Cumming, and Kameron Causey of Vienna. The family will receive friends between the hours of 6:00 & 8:00 PM on Monday, November 5, 2012, at Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St. Born August 26, 1931 in Americus, Mr. Coptsias was the son of the late Tosh and Mary Coptsias. He was of the Christian faith, and was a retired business owner, having owned Felder Street Grocery in Americus for many years. Mr. Coptsias was a graduate of Auburn University, where he played football. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving as a figher pilot on active duty from 1953 through 1956, and served in the Air Force Reserves until 1971. Survivors include his wife, Sandra McKinley Coptsias of Plains; 3 sons, Ken Coptsias (Margie) of Plains, Mark Coptsias (Leslie) of St. Simons Island, and Jim Coptsias of Athens; 4 grandchildren, Jett Coptsias and Jake Coptsias of Plains, and Nathan Coptsias and Avery Coptsias of St. Simons Island; and one sister, Jenny Hancock of Americus. He was preceded in death by a sister, Pat McCurry of Gainesville. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of Perfect Care for the wonderful care they gave Mr. Coptsias. For those wishing to do so, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Phoebe Sumter Hospice, P.O. Box 1434, Americus, GA 31709. To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences and personal messages to the Coptsias family, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is in charge of arrangements.