Terrence Michael Kopansky

January 15, 1947 - November 30, 2017

Terrence Michael Kopansky, 70, born Jan. 15, 1947 passed away at Alive Hospice Nov. 30, 2017. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Alice Kopansky, and his brother, Ralph Kopansky. Terry is survived by his son, Brent C. Holden, his daughter, Molly M. Munden, three grandchildren, Emma C. Holden, Aden M. Munden, Elspeth M. Munden, and his former wife, Lorelei M. Aden. He is also survived by three half-siblings, Gary D. Flynn of Florida, Nancy Flynn Swenson of Minnesota and Julie Flynn Halverson of Wisconsin.
Terry grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico, before moving to Kentucky where he graduated from Hopkinsville High School in 1965. He attended Trinity University in San Antonio and graduated from Peabody College with both his BS and MA in special education. In 1995, he received his Doctorate of Education from Vanderbilt University.
Terry dedicated his life to serving individuals with disabilities, starting out as a counselor at the Tennessee Easter Seal Camp. He began his career as a special education teacher with the Metro Nashville Public Schools. He was principal of Cavert Special Education School before being named principal at Harris Hillman, a position he held for 22 years before retiring. After leaving MNPS, Terry spent 13 years as the executive director of Mur-Ci Homes, Inc.
Terry was an avid golfer, scuba diver, fisherman, and gardener. He was a proud member of the Nashville City Civitan Club, the Nashville Striders, the Nashville Corvette Club, and was an honorary member of The USS Sea Poachers Association.
A Celebration of Life service for Terry Kopansky is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2018 at Harris Hillman Sp. Ed. School, 1706 26th Ave., Nashville, TN 37212 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Harris Hillman School or Mur-Ci Homes, Inc. at 2984 Baby Ruth Ln., Antioch, TN 37013.