Jerry Lee Copher

Jerry Lee Copher, 73, of Paris, Texas, passed away on September 20, 2025.

Born on January 14, 1952, in Fort Worth, Texas, Jerry was the son of Dewey and Wanda Copher. He attended Trinity High School and graduated in 1970. Jerry grew up alongside his siblings - Larry, Gary, and Sherry. Jerry and his brother, Larry, remained especially close throughout his life, bonded by shared interests, stories, and a deep brotherly friendship that never faded.

After school, Jerry built a career based on skill, precision, and hard work. He worked for Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) for 34 years as a AAA Mechanic specializing in industrial machinery, where he maintained and repaired large-scale machinery used in box manufacturing.

Jerry first married Brenda in 1972, and they were blessed with two children, Jeremy and Carrie. In December 1988, he found lasting companionship and married Sue, blending their families and becoming a stepfather to her three daughters - Lisa, Jamie, and Amy. Jerry and Sue shared many adventures and memories; they were married for 36 years prior to his passing.

A skilled craftsman and lifelong tinkerer, Jerry could often be found in his garage or workshop repairing, building, or creating something new. His creativity knew no bounds - from handmade furniture and wood crafts to knives, paper roses, and knitted hats and scarves.

In his mid-40s, Jerry rekindled his passion for motorcycles. He and Sue shared many adventures on their Honda Gold Wings and even owned a custom show bike from Florida. Together, they rode with friends from PCA, traveling throughout Oklahoma, the Midwest, and across Central Texas. While living in Blue Ridge, Texas, they also enjoyed life on their farm, raising chickens, ducks, goats - affectionately named Larry, Curly, and Mo. They even cared for a horse and cattle, including John Henry the Bull, Feebie, and Ruby Lee. Jerry and Sue were also avid dog lovers and proud pet owners throughout their life together. Some of their most beloved dogs included Penelope, Brutus, and Buddy - who were more than pets; they were cherished family members and faithful companions through many chapters of their lives. Jerry also enjoyed brewing craft beer and wine with his friend Tim Marlier, who shared his birthday and many memorable celebrations over the years. He was well known for collecting knives and guns, dabbling in gunsmithing, and traveling with Sue and their dogs in their RV to campgrounds across Texas and Oklahoma. After 27 years, Jerry and Sue sold the property in Blue Ridge in April 2022 and bought a home in Paris, Texas, to enjoy their twilight years with their dogs Emma, Tink and Taco.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Sue Copher; his brother, Larry Copher; his son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy and Rena Copher; his daughter and son-in-law, Carrie and Tyson Long; his stepdaughters and their husbands, Jamie and Jeff Schneider, and Amy and Brian Davis; his grandchildren, Kaitlynn and her husband, Ryan Baranowski, Christian Copher, Tyler and his wife, Haleigh Long, Tucker Long, Taylor Long, Dylan Vaughn, Taylor Schneider, Madi Davis, and Jordan Davis; and his great-granddaughter, Josephine "Josie" Baranowski. He is also survived by many extended family members, including nieces and nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and their spouses, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Wanda Copher; his brother, Gary; his sister, Sherry; and his stepdaughter, Lisa Woody.

A private family memorial will be held at the home of Jeremy and Rena Copher on November 8, where friends and loved ones will gather to celebrate Jerry's life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you plant a tree, flowers, or garden in Jerry's memory.