Charles J. Copley

Charles “Chuck” Copley was born May 7, 1945 in Huntington, West Virginia to Frank and Stella Copley.  He passed away August 25, 2021 in McHenry, Illinois.

Chuck owned and operated Charles Copley Roofing since 1968 and was active in his business until he passed.  He was a loving, caring husband and father who loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Chuck lit up the room with his sense of humor; he captivated the audience while on stage as a lead singer and guitarist; he was a natural and charismatic leader; he worked harder than most, because it made him feel good. He loved being a provider but mostly he loved being able to provide an act of kindness.

Chuck was larger than life, singing on riverboats in his 30s, skydiving in his 50s, and taking 44hr fishing trips in his 70s. Accused of being rowdy at times, this may stem from Chuck’s innate belief that limits are meant to be breached.

He was an avid gardener; deep sea fisherman, antique collector, and football fan though his favorite hobby was making people feel good. In his younger years he practiced boxing, jogging, bowling, downhill/water skiing and anything that gave him a good challenge, not always challenging others but always challenging himself, especially if he was doubted.

Destined to be an entrepreneur, young Charles got his feet wet shining shoes. He wore many hats over the years but today, his surrounding community is very satisfied with his decision to get into roofing. With only a middle school education, lots of hard work and undying determination, he led a team that built a long standing business known for its honorable reputation and quality workmanship.

Chuck made lots of memories singing in the church choir, riding his Harley Chopper cross-country, truck-pulling with his 1976 Chevy Pickup, raising Dobermans, travelling with his wife, Renee and as of late gathering with his buddies over a cup of coffee.  Some of his fondest moments that he often mentioned were Christmas caroling with his full band off of a flatbed truck, laying in the leaves in the forest of West Virginia, and eating his mom's homemade chicken and dumpling.

If Chuck didn’t find a way to make you laugh, it is safe to say you didn’t have the pleasure of knowing him.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 44 years, Renee; children, Robert Copley, Frank Copley, Casey Copley, Allison Rettig, Christy (Joe) McCarthy, Charles Raymond (Lindsey) Copley, Jeremy Jerome Copley, and Megan Alana (Branko) Reljic; grandchildren, Chris, Ryan and Justin, Frank, Tina, and Brett Copley, Conor Copley,  Ellie and Charles Copley, and Savo and Lena Reljic; and 3 brothers and 4 sisters.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and two siblings.

Memorial visitation will be 2pm until the memorial service at 7pm Sunday, September 12th at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave (Route 176) Crystal Lake. Please bring your pictures and memories to share.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Chuck’s name may be made to: ALS Research Foundation by visiting als.org/donate