Benjamin Copeland III

Benjamin
Franklin Copeland, III
Mr. Copeland, 79, of Charlotte, passed away Thursday, October 14, 2010 at CMC Mercy Hospital.
He was born October 28, 1930 in Charlotte, NC to Benjamin F. Copeland Jr. and Mary Lantz Copeland. Known to his friends as Frank, he graduated from Central High School in Charlotte and went on to attend Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC where his involvement with the Glee Club helped developed his love for music, especially gospel. Years later after starting a family, Frank went back to complete his education and graduated from UNC Charlotte with a degree in Law Enforcement. He served Charlotte for 27 years in the Charlotte Police Department and was proud to be the first officer in North Carolina assigned full-time to an interracial police partnership in 1968. He moonlighted as police security at the original Charlotte Coliseum, joined by his wife 'Keet' who worked concessions so they could have more time together. Frank was active at Derita Presbyterian Church, serving as Chairman of Deacons, Clerk of the Session, as a Sunday school teacher, and as a youth activities leader. He actively supported Room at the Inn homeless shelter. Teaching Sunday school and being a youth ministry leader was a very important part of his life.
As a youth, Frank was a gifted athlete playing football and baseball. He went on to play semi-pro baseball. He played in the police softball league, was a player-coach for numerous church softball teams, andcoached neighborhood youth sports. He was a member of the Optimist Club and the Cole Memorial Sunshine Club. Frank loved playing cards, and often joined groups at the Shamrock and Mallard Creek Community Centers. Also, he loved fishing at the beach. Frank was active with the St. James Male Chorus. He was a York Rite Master Mason of Derita Mason Lodge # 715, achieving Master of the Lodge, and a Shriner.
He is survived by his daughter Dixie Copeland (Joe Best); his two sons, Benjamin Copeland (Jennifer Sanders), Michael Copeland (Marita); his grandchildren, Kate Copeland, Aaron Mullennix, Heather Pirtle, Heidi Moore; his two great-grandchildren, Gabriel Moore, Joshua Moore; sister-in-law Annette Copeland and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Lillian 'Keet' Dixon Copeland, and his brother George L. Copeland.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday, October 17, 2010 in McEwen Funeral Service Derita Chapel 6300 Mallard Creek Road. The Celebration of his life will take place 11:00 AM, Monday, October 18, 2010 in Derita Presbyterian Church 2230 Sugar Creek Road with The Reverend Linda Bowman officiating. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens.
McEwen Funeral Service Derita Chapel is entrusted to care for Mr. Copeland and his family.