Donna I am so sad to hear that Ralph has passed.
I met Ralph in 1973 thanks to John Pascall. 
From then til he retired ( I was one of his final customers that day) he became so much more than my barber!
He cut 4 generations in our family. 
Not one time did I not  feel (and look) better after our visit. 
He was a good man .
Praying for you and the family 
Jerry Noland

First, my apologies to Miss Donna. I did not get the news about Ralph until last week. I then called Lynn Massingale and he also had not heard. It was Lynn who introduced to the Pike Barber Shop, 41 years ago. (At least Ralph didn’t preside over my alopecia. I was already bald when we met.)

Ralph seemed ever glad to see me even though more often than not, I was his last client of the day. Always and ever cheerful, he had to have been tired. We never failed to exchange jokes and solve Great Mysteries during my session. 

In all those years, I never caught Ralph in a bad mood. He was, I think, one of those souls who brought out the best by being at his best. 

Aside from his tonsorial talents Ralph was known for some other pursuits. He was an avid outdoorsman and marksman. I don’t begrudge any of that. By nature, I’m “indoorsy”. But Oh what I’d give to be the least bit musical. There, Ralph was a natural. If the stars were aligned and he was in the mood, we might get an impromptu performance on his electric keyboard. Such a treat!

So my friend Ralph (and his friends are manifold) was an amalgam not often seen. He embodied kindness, good nature, good work, and talent on many levels. A rara avis, he. We’ll all miss him, and all grieve, but I don’t think any of us can possibly remember Ralph and not smile.

Donna, I was so sorry to learn of Ralph’s passing.   He was so special to our family for years.    We all loved him.   Sending you and your family our love and prayers.

Donna and family, 
Ralph was a precious man.  I admired his musical prowess.  He was always very kind and sweet to me.  
I know your loss is great, but remember that we will be together again!

Very sorry to hear Ralph’s passing. He cut what little hair I had for nearly 40 years. I loved Ralph, everyone loved Ralph- funny, talented, gifted, a twinkle in his eyes, always leaving you feeling better  when you crossed his path. He will be missed dearly…John Simmons

Walking out of church one Sunday in April 2025

For the 25+ years Ralph was my barber, he became like family. I saw him more regularly than a lot of my family. We would ‘visit’ every few weeks. I remember walking up the stairs to Long’s the day Ralph told me he was retiring, tears in my eyes.  It was like I was losing a friend. Ralph was a great man and meant so much to so many.  Praying his family will feel the love and comfort of God, family and friends.  Well done my good and faithful servant.  Well done, indeed.

Ralph gave me almost every haircut I had from my first one in about 1965 until his retirement. I don’t think I ever left there without having a smile on my face from having been with such a fine man. Thank you for sharing him with our community.
Ned Babb

My condolences to Donna, Monte, and April.  I was so, so sorry to hear of Ralph's passing.  I was in a 5-piece band with Ralph from July '75 to New Year's Eve and enjoyed every minute with him!  Ralph was a genuine and down-to-earth person.  We had many laughs together and he always had a smile.  I loved Ralph and will sorely miss him.
This is our loss and Heaven's gain!

REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER!!

Charlie Ashe

Ralph first cut my hair when he was 19 years old and continued every three weeks until he retired. I'll miss him. Donna, Barbara and I will be praying for you and your family. He was one of the most talented guys (except fishing) that I have known.

A true Renaissance man, painter, musician, golfer, and all around wonderful person.  Prayers for the family.

Donna and Family, so sorry to learn about Ralph’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. 
Carol and Eddie Huffaker

OBITUARY

William "Ralph" Copeland

November 1, 1944 – October 13, 2025

Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home & Lynnhurst Cemetery

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