Fred Copley, 84, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Sunday, October 14, 2012.

He was born in Providence, R.I. Oct. 3, 1928, to Herbert and Beulah (nee Arnold) Copley.

Fred attended North Providence schools and Bryant College. He enjoyed all sports, especially his Patriots, and was an avid runner. Fred was a District Sales Manager for Finance Division of General Motors Acceptance Corporation, and retired in 1983, to enjoy retirement years with his wife, Rita in Florida. He was a member and Past Master of The Roger Williams Masonic Lodge #32 in Rhode Island and coached Demolay basketball, and Rainbow softball. Fred was a former member of the Greystone Primitive Methodist Church in Rhode Island where he was a Sunday School teacher. He and his wife Rita were very active in the Republican Party in Rhode Island where they helped the former Governor John Chaffee during his campaigns. Fred was a member of the Englewood Art Guild of Englewood, Fla., and painted beautiful land and seascapes, and was known for his Thomas Kinkade style of painting. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War serving as a Sergeant. Fred was a devout Christian and beloved by all who knew him for his kindness, great faith, and sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.

Fred is survived by his loving family, his wife of 62 years, Rita Copley; best friend and daughter, Kathleen (Sabin) Taylor; daughter, Patricia (Bill) Waddington; brother, Robert (Sue) Copley; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; and his special loyal friend, Grand Dog Tinsley.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Welfare League, 3519 Drance St., Port Charlotte, FL 33980, or The National Animal Welfare Society www.nawsus.org. Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to sign the memorybook, and extend condolences to the family. Interment and military honors will be held at later date at Sarasota National Cemetery of Sarasota, Fla.

Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home and Crematory, Port Charlotte Chapel.