John Randolph Coupland IV

February 23,1949 - November 14, 2023

John Randolph Coupland IV, known as “Randy” died peacefully  on November 14, 2023 in Wilmington, NC. He was 74 years old.

Randy and his wife, Kathy, were former residents of Raleigh, where Randy played an important role by serving on many committees, the Vestry, and as Senior Warden at The Church of the Good Shepherd.   When they moved to Wilmington, they quickly became active members of St. James Parish, where he served on the evangelism committee.

Randy was born in Durham, NC on February 23, 1949, the son of John Randolph Coupland III and Susan Buchanan Coupland.  With his younger brother, Johnny, and a multitude of other family members, they spent their summers at the Buchanan Cottage in Nags Head fishing and getting into trouble at every turn.  His favorite dessert was “apple pie a la mode with ice cream!”

Randy attended Episcopal High School and earned degrees from Duke University.  He worked as both a CPA and CFO for several companies in North Carolina during his long career.  His  work took him to CFO positions in Malaysia and Japan where he expanded his love for travel.  He also served on numerous corporate boards and was a business consultant to many.

He was an avid reader, music lover, and dedicated Duke fan.  Later in life, Randy was introduced to the art of fly fishing.  He looked forward with great anticipation to his annual trip with his cousin, Bill Flowers, to Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos to chase the elusive bonefish.  Always fishing, often catching, always loving it.

Randy enjoyed the preparation and consumption of good food, and social events of any kind.  He excelled in the art of the practical joke.  Randy was known as “Happy” to his four young grandsons who always brought a smile to his face and a laugh watching their antics.  Randy loved his family, but most especially Kat, also known as “Sweetie.”

He is survived by his wife, Katharine M. Coupland and their family, daughter Taylor Lyon McGowan (Neil) of Augusta, GA, son Wesley M. Lyon (Katie) of Charleston, SC, and grandsons, Frank and Jack McGowan, and Buddy and Charlie Lyon. 

Randy is also survived by his brother, John B. Coupland (Kris) of Wilmington, NC and their daughter, Beth Patterson (Carter) of Charlotte, NC and  their children, Mac Patterson and Caroline Patterson.  Also their son, Jack Coupland (Mary Rob) of Charleston, SC and their daughter, Ginny Coupland. 

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 2nd at 11 AM at St James Episcopal Parish, 25 South Third Street, Wilmington, NC  28401.  A reception will follow in the Great Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

St. James Parish Foundation Fund, 25 South Third Street, Wilmington, NC  28401 or online at stjamesp.org/memorials. 

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC  28401 or online at https://lifecare.org/donate/, or to a charity of your choice.

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