Craig Mangan Copper (74) of Hickory died September 17, 2006, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. Born Oct. 16, 1931, in Cleveland, he was the son of Munroe and Marguerite Letts Copper Jr. He was preceded in death by a brother, Munroe Walker Copper III of Cleveland, and a sister, Marguerite Wright of Florida.

A graduate of Mercersburg and the University of Virginia School of Architecture, he was a principal in his own architectural practice for more than 40 years, first in Cleveland and then in Hickory. The Beechmont Country Club, which he designed, is recognized today as a Cleveland landmark. He was certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. His extensive knowledge of historic architectural details led to several restoration projects and other consulting projects throughout the United States, Canada and the Bahamas.

Copper was also an artist, illustrating the book The Horsemen’s Etiquette Book, published by Scribner’s as well as a children’s history of Catawba County entitled “Pocketful of Memories” published by the Catawba County Historical Association.

He served in the United States Air Force with the rank of Captain. Active in the community, he has served as an officer on the board of the Hickory Community Theatre, and with Western Catawba County Kiwanis Club. He was currently serving as secretary/treasurer for the Catawba Valley Chapter Sons of the American Revolution.

Survivors include his wife, Marcia Snyder Copper of Hickory, a daughter Deborah Lynn Copper of Norfolk Va.; two sons, Daniel R. Copper of San Diego and Scott W. Copper of Albuquerque NM; a sister, Mrs. Robert McAllister (Dodee) of Pauma Valley, CA; and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Friday at 3 p.m. at the Church of the Ascension Episcopal, 726 First Avenue NW in Hickory. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cancer fund, a charity of your choice, or to The Church of the Ascension.

Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.