Edgar Kopp

Family-Placed Death Notice

KOPP, Edgar DR. EDGAR NEAL KOPP On March 28th E. Neal Kopp succumbed to ALS and left us to join his beloved wife Emma Jane with whom he had shared 54 wonderful years. Neal was born on August 24, 1933 in Danville, Pennsylvania to Edgar and Pauline Kopp. He grew up in Tower City, Pennsylvania graduating 1st of 19 from Tower City High School. It was in Tower City where he met the love of his life, Emma Jane, whom he married in 1953. Neal attended Franklin & Marshall for pre-dental and graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry in 1957. Neal enlisted in the Army while in dental school, and served in the Army 27 years living in Washington D.C.; Atlanta, GA (on several occasions); Poitiers, France; Denver, CO; Arlington, VA; Augsburg, Germany and Augusta, GA. Neal retired from the Army in 1980 as a Colonel and Commander of Dental Activity and Director, Dental Education at Fort Gordon, GA. In 1976 Neal was awarded the Surgeon Generals "A" Prefix in Specialty Area of Fixed Prosthodontics, the Army Medical Department's highest award for professional excellence. Following the Army, Neal joined the faculty of Emory University School of Dentistry in 1980 as Associate Professor, Acting Director of Clinics, and then Director of Clinics and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs between 1982 and 1988. Neal then went into private practice in Sandy Springs, GA where he continued to work until just before his death. Neal has held prominent positions in academia; and participated in the development of fixed prosthodontics and modern implant dentistry. Neal was a member of the Society of American Prosthodontics in Europe and the International Congress of Oral Implantologist with Fellowship and Diplomat status since 2000. He had lectured in Europe and America, and was the co-founder and Assistant Director of the ICOI Implant Team Seminar Group and mentor to Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons, Periodontists and General Practitioners in the Specialty of Prosthodontics and Dental Implantology on an ongoing basis. Neal enjoyed traveling with Emma Jane to Chicago, New Orleans, North Carolina, Orlando and Myrtle Beach and with his children camping from California to Maine. He was an avid golfer and his good humor and frequent jokes will be missed on the course. He was never too busy to help a friend, student, co-worker or child in need. He enjoyed a quality wine and an exquisite meal, and insisted on others enjoying all life has to offer with him. Neal was a man who lead by example whether it be as Colonel in the Army, mentor to dental students, coach of girls softball (Metro Atlanta Champs!), and as a husband, father and friend. His true calling was as a teacher of life. He showed us how life should be lived with honor, joy and humor. As Monty Python sings, Neal could "Always look on the bright side of life"... and if you know the song perhaps you'll smile and whistle appropriately...and if not simply look to heaven and raise a toast to Neal and a life lived as well as any man could. To honor his memory we should all endeavor to do the same. As he wrote in this past year's Christmas card, he had a good run... Neal is survived by his son, Steven N. Kopp; his daughter, Kathy E. Kopp-Misiak and her husband John A. Misiak; and his grandson, Iain N. Kopp. Memorial service will be held Friday, April 4, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 4882 LaVista Road, Tucker, GA. In lieu of flowers the family requests any donations be made to the St. Andrews Extending Program or the Humane Society. Arrangements by Bill Head Funeral Homes and Crematory, Lilburn/Tucker Chapel. 770-564-2726