The funeral for Marine Staff Sgt. Greg Copes will be held Monday, Aug. 27, at the Altavista Combined School gymnasium at 5:30 p.m., according to Finch & Finch Funeral and Cremation Service in Altavista.
The 36-year-old Copes, who grew up in Lynch Station and graduated from Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, was killed Aug. 17 in Afghanistan when a local police officer turned his rifle on his instructors. Copes was involved in training Afghan policemen.
Visitation with the family will be held Sunday, Aug. 26, from 2-5 p.m. at Finch & Finch. Copes’ body is expected to be returned to Altavista Friday or Saturday.
In a project initiated by Finch & Finch, with assistance from the Altavista Fire Company, wristbands will be sold to help the family.
The yellow bands will have the message “In memory of SSgt. Gregory T. Copes” and ribbons.
They will be sold at the Thank Goodness It’s Friday event at Avoca Friday from 5:30-9 p.m. and at the Altavista football game against Randolph-Henry Friday at 7 p.m.
Any donation amount will be accepted. All donations will go to the family. Checks should be made to the family.
Wristbands will also be available at the funeral home and fire station, both on Main Street. Donations will be accepted at both places.