Robert Gwynn (Bob) Kopp, Sr.

Robert Gwynn “Bob” Kopp Sr., 96, of Flowery Branch stepped out of Life’s Passing Parade into the arms of God on Friday, March 8, 2024. A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 2 PM at Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel, Buford. Rev. Ted Williams will officiate. Interment will follow on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 2 PM at Omega Cemetery in Baxley, GA, where he will complete life’s earthly journey among family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia, your local humane society or the charity of your choice.

Bob was the youngest and last surviving sibling of four boys born to the late Rev. Charles H. Kopp and Maurine Parks Kopp. He was raised by his stepmother, Marjorie Goodwin Kopp. Bob grew up in Greensboro and Greene County, Georgia during the Great Depression surrounded by saints, sinners, and characters. He and his three brothers served in WWII and graduated from Mercer University in Macon, being enrolled simultaneously in the summer of 1948, no doubt a school record. Bob and two brothers were active in Kappa Sigma Fraternity at the same time. Bobby, as he was called as a boy, was blessed with a strong work ethic. He took advantage of opportunities and worked multiple jobs including delivering the AJC on a bicycle. Early on he identified with sales, leading to a 37-year career with Ciba-Geigy (Novartis) Pharmaceutical Corporation rising to the level of Regional Sales Manager. He was also a member of the Georgia Pharmacists Association and served on the Board of Directors. He enjoyed his work, his colleagues and the professional contacts forging enduring friendships. Upon retirement he and his wife and soulmate of 62 years, the late Joy Johnson Kopp, moved into the family’s log home on Lake Lanier among all of their good old stuff.

Bob developed a strong interest in military history, especially WWII. He read, attended programs, visited museums and battle sites. Included were the 50th anniversary of the attack at Pearl Harbor, a private D-Day tour of London, South England and the Normandy Coast, and an Honor Flight to the WWII Memorial in Washington. In his travels he had many interesting experiences and met numerous notable people ranging from the Goat Man in Middle Georgia to the Apollo Astronauts that had walked on the moon. Bob delighted in war stories of which he had many. His favorite was telling about having seen the devastation at Hiroshima a few months after the atomic bomb was dropped. Then, 64 years later having lunch with Dutch Van Kirk, the navigator on the Enola Gay. He helped other veterans as a volunteer for the DAV van and NEGMS Hospice.

Bob enjoyed reading books about fixing things, landscaping, football and baseball. He also enjoyed GOOD music, although he could not read a note or carry a tune. He was a member of the Upper Room Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church Buford. Bob had a good life, appreciated being part of a good family, and felt blessed that he had lived at a good time.

In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles (Marcelene, Toni), John (Brooksie, Jewell), James (Sylvia); and infant sister, Mary Lee; stepmother, Marjorie Goodwin Kopp; son, Ben (Jean); and daughter-in-law, Kay; his numerous canine friends, Messers, Motley, and Moose. Bob is survived by his sons, Rob (Dorothy), John (Dennice); daughter, Jenna; grandson, Tripp along with brother, David (Janice).

Turn out the light the party is over. This is my story, and I am sticking to it.