Raymond “Earl” Copeland, 63, of Tifton passed away Sunday, March 8, 2015, at Tift Regional Medical Center. His funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2015, at Tift Avenue Church of God with Rev. Joseph L. Crumley and Rev. Harold McLeod officiating. Gary McCorvey will give a eulogy. Mr. Copeland will be laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 10, 2015, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals. Mr. Copeland will be placed in the church one hour prior to the service.
Stephen Rogers, Jarrett Haswell, Gary Vowell, Larry Crumley, Larry McMillan, Phil McMillan, Jackie Jackson and Scottie Rogers will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Hollis Goode, John Weaver, Jimmy Parker, Horace Huggins, Bo Eaton, Buck McCranie, Lon Kemeness, Randy Root Hill, Bill Reinhardt, Sammy Dixon, Jerry Dixon, Jack Flancher, Rusty Moore, Dewayne Padgett, Bart Holt, Charles Goodman, Charles Rogers, Stanley McKellar, Mayo Tucker, Buddy Coarsey, Harmon Tawzer, Winfred “Wimp” Jones, Dennis Shephard, Lennon Copeland, Lamar Brooks, Jerry Crumley, John D. Crosby, Doc Sumner, Wesley Purvis, Joey Doles, Michael Hendley and all of Mr. Copeland’s nephews.
Mr. Copeland was born December 8, 1951 in Tift County and the son of Elias L. Copeland and Vera Daniels Copeland, both deceased. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Lloyd Copeland; and three sisters, Catherine Scarborough, Ruth Hobbs and Margaret Denby. He was a retired farmer and enjoyed it very much, especially growing tobacco. In 1998, he opened Gen Earl’s Store and enjoyed spending time there talking to customers. He enjoyed people and liked to entertain everyone with engaging conversation. He turned his life over to Jesus and is now resting in His arms.
Mr. Copeland is survived by his wife, Sandra Gill Copeland of Tifton; one son, Monty Copeland of Duluth; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Bruce Copeland and Gerald and Diane Copeland, all of Tifton; one sister, Ann Ennis of Ty Ty; a sister-in-law, Ginger Copeland of Griffin; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, James and Doris Rutherford of Tifton, Mike and Ann Gill of Maryville, Tennessee, Roger and Faye Gill of Fleming Island, Florida and Melissa and Chip Rhodes of Tifton; and many nieces and nephews.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made to Tift Avenue Church of God, 2220 Tift Avenue, Tifton, GA 31794.