AVILLA — William Joseph Copple of Troy, Michigan, and formerly of Avilla, Indiana, died Monday, Sept. 5, 2016. Bill was born on August 25, 1940, in Vincennes, Indiana, to Art and Mary Copple. He graduated from Washington Catholic schools in Washington, Indiana, where basketball was his favorite sport. Bill joined the Army in late 1958 and was sent to Nuremburg, Germany. He always remembered his time in Germany fondly, and would often recall the time he lived there. Bill married Judy Grier on April 4, 1964, at St. Simon Church in Washington, Indiana, and was married 43 years, until Judy's death in 2007. Together, they had two daughters. He was father to Chris (Dave) Walter of Kendallville, Indiana, and Kyle (Jeff) Huber of Troy, Michigan and proud grandpa to Maggie and Leland Huber. Bill and Judy also opened their home to Veronique Biche. Veronique, a foreign exchange student from Belgium, brought great joy and lasting friendship to the Copple family. Bill and Judy raised their children in Columbus, Indiana, where he worked at Cummins Engine Co. for more than 30 years. After retiring, he spent time in Florida with Judy, and then moved to Avilla, Indiana, to be closer to his children. In retirement he had many hobbies including target shooting, golf, volunteering for Housing Partnership, and his local parish. Later, he volunteered his time at Provena Sacred Heart Home in Avilla, Indiana. He recently moved to Michigan where he enjoyed ample time with the grandkids watching them play soccer rain or shine, going to choir and band concerts, plays, Mass on Sunday and get-togethers. Bill was a voracious reader and read many books per week. He was preceded in death by his parents; older brother, Sonny Copple; and sisters, Ann Copple Strange and Joyce Copple Schuetz. He is survived by two sisters, Kay Copple Macy and Renee Copple Hamilton. Visitation will be at the A. J. Desmond and Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks, Troy, Michigan, on Friday from 4-8 p.m. A funeral Mass will take place on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, 2100 W. Twelve Mile Road, Royal Oak, Michigan. Visitation at the church begins at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Avilla, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica or another .