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BORN
1945
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Samuel Copeland Obituary
Samuel graduated from East High School and worked at General Electric, Mace Electric, and the Hammermill Paper Company. He also worked as a self-defense instructor at Booker T. Washington Center and the John F. Kennedy NATO. He retired from the WIC Program as a nutritional assistant.
Samuel enjoyed teaching martial arts and opened up a school in 1978 on 11th and State called Liu Seong Royal Kung-Fu. Master Samuel T. Copeland was inducted in to the G.J.I.M.A.A. Hall of Fame in 1998. For his tireless dedication to the study and teaching of the martial arts. For his endless dedication to students and peers. Through men such as this, the Martial Arts live on for many years to come. For over 45 years he devoted himself to improving his quality of life through Martial Arts. Becoming one with himself and nature was his ultimate goal. His early introduction into the Martial Arts came by way of the late Great Grand Master Gerard V. Durant who introduced him to the late Grand Master Arthur Sikes, who was a student under the late Great Grand Master Liu Seong. He obtained the rank of 3rd degree Grand master of the North American Self-Defense Association INC.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Gregory Copeland and sisters Linda B. Copeland and Laverne Ponder (Copeland).
Survivors include daughter Veronica Lyons (Geoffrey), four siblings: Bishop Lawrence (Pamela) Copeland, of Durham, N.C., Carmelita (Billy) White, of Erie, Elsie Copeland, of Erie, and Alan (Monique) Copeland, of Los Angeles, Calif. He is further survived by his grandchildren: Anthony Copeland Sr. and Aaron Copeland and great-grandson Anthony Copeland Jr. 12 nieces, nine nephews, 19 great-nieces, and 15 great-nephews. As well as his special friends and helpers of the family Joann Calabrese and Daniel Harris. We acknowledge all the loyal students whom have supported him throughout his life and in his final days.
Friends may call at Word of Life Christian Center on Monday July 17th from 10:00 a.m. 10 11:30 a.m. with the service to follow at 11:30 with Bishop Clifton McNair officiating. Burial will be in Erie Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the charity of one choice.
Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Copeland
Sponsored by Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Downtown - Erie.
Larry "Ranger" Owensel
July 26, 2025
Forever missed and loved my brother!
Roy Berlin
January 18, 2018
I am so sorry to have just heard of Grand Masters passing. I can truly say, he changed my life. He became more than a teacher, he was a friend. My deepest condolences. He had the most infectious smile. He will be missed.
Joyce Heidelberg McInnis
August 8, 2017
My deepest condolences to his family.
To my instructor, thank you for being my inspiration, for not only teaching me the art of Kung Fu, but humility as well. I remember your words when I told you I was leaving Erie. I tried to find you last year (2016) when I visited. Now, I understand the urgency in my spirit to do so. I'm so sorry I missed you. You will always hold a special place in my heart. Rest in peace my friend and teacher.
Larry (Ranger) Owensel
August 4, 2017
To my dear friend and brother in the martial arts, you will be missed dearly and never forgotten. Rest my brother...
Craig Roehm
July 22, 2017
Mr. Copeland will be missed by many. It was a great pleasure to have spent time in his class. I am thankful for him to have shared his knowledge and skills. He was always a positive person and gave a lot of encouragement. Truly a great inspiration.
Sherry Mishik
July 20, 2017
Condolences to the family of a very generous and great man. I will always remember him. He was a true and humble person in every way.
July 19, 2017
Veronica and family
My condolence and prayers to you and your family.
Regina House
July 19, 2017
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE COPELAND FAMILY. MAY GOD GIVE YOU STRENGTH DURING THIS TRYING TIME. TRULY MASTER COPELAND WILL BE TRULY MISSED. HE HAS TOUCHED MANY LIVES AS AN TEACHER..& MADE MANY OF HIS STUDENTS CHAMPIONS...ON BEHALF OF ME & SIFU BEY..WE SAY R.I.P.
Panchitta Robinson
July 18, 2017
My condolences to the family of Mr. Sam Copeland Jr.
Don Cason
July 18, 2017
One of the Greatest Kings I ever had the Honor to know,you will surely be missed
Sandi Smith
July 17, 2017
Veronica and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Copeland's passing. He was always a nice man. You all are in our prayers. Much love to you.
Sandi and Nettie
LESLIE Jeeter-Curry
July 17, 2017
To his family Im so sorry to hear of his passing you have our Condolences.
Jacqueline Elston
July 17, 2017
An honorable man, whom God was well pleased with.
Rest in Heaven, Grand Master, for you will be missed.
Respectfully,
Willie Sanders
July 17, 2017
I will always remember your teaching Grand Master Copeland love always
Willie C. Sanders Jr.
Daisel Brown
July 17, 2017
To the family, I am so sorry for your loss. I love you forever, my "Uncle Sam". You will may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. "Daisey"
SHARON HENDERSON
July 17, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. REST IN HEAVEN...
July 17, 2017
Rest in Peace Grandmaster.
It was an honor to be your student.
Fatima Gibbs
Gary Galvin
July 17, 2017
So very sorry to hear about Sam. Had the opportunity to see him a short time ago at Liu Seong gathering in Ft. Myers where we were able to reminisce about competing against each other in the 70s. Great martial artist, great guy.
Paula Brocious
July 17, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the family of my dear friend Sam . We shared a friendship like no other . Time spent together with him was always filled with a lesson of his wisdom . I told him many time he was a extra ordinary man . I will always feel the many blessing that our friendship holds and carry them with me . I miss you my dear Sam ~ Namaste' Paula ( Corsi ) Brocious
Mr Larry Gamble
July 16, 2017
To the Copeland family I would like to send you my sincere condolences, on the loss of Mr. Sam Copeland.. He was always there to lend you an ear, and point you in the right direction.. One of the most respected men, that I met growing up at the Booker T. Washington Center. Rest easy my friend..
Diane Cooley Perry
July 16, 2017
My condolences going out to the family and many of his friends who loved him dearly. Sam was one of a kind and will dearly be missed. So Rip Sam, God have called another Angel home.
Charles Cook
July 16, 2017
I first met Master Copeland at the Hamot Wellness Center as a fledgling student years ago. First impressions are lasting impressions,as they say.
To this day I remember Master Copeland having a warm and welcoming nature, a caring and compassionate attitude toward his students.
A true gentleman with a great sense of humor. Mr. Copeland may be gone from this world but memories of the man will live on.
My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Copeland Jr.
Frances Bowers
July 16, 2017
To the Copeland Family,my thoughts and prayers are for you. Mr C was a special person for all who knew him,may all your memories keep him near. RIP
Waine Byrd
July 16, 2017
Rest easy in power and light Samuel, your legacy shall never be forgotten. Sending prayer condolences and healing energy to the Copeland family.
Sandra Harvey -Aiken
July 16, 2017
To a very simple and basic man who has touched the lives of many. "May the Angels and the Ancestors welcome you into the fold of adoration." "May your family not grieve your departure but celebrate your resurrection and freedom of the spirit to soar Amen.Sincerely
Stuart Scantlebury
July 16, 2017
I first met Master Copeland in 1972 at Tom Pepperman's Kung Fu school, where I was a student. I was always impressed with his martial arts skills. A few years later, my brother became a student of Mr. Copeland and when I would come to Erie I would go with him to get a lesson. It was always great to see him and to learn a new technique or two. I will miss his fine character.
James Akins
July 16, 2017
He will be missed by those who knew him well. He was not just my teacher but my Guidance.RIP
CYNTHIA JOHNSON
July 16, 2017
MY DEAREST FRIEND U WILL BE SADLY MISSED KNOW THAT I LOVE U DEEPLY AS MY FRIEND AND SOLDIOR U TAUGHT ME ALOT OVER THE MANY MANY YEARS AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM GOING TO DO WITHOUT UR PRESENT BUT I WILL TRY TO STAY STRONG JUST FOR U RIP AND RIH MY LOVE GOD GOT U NOW AND U R WITH THE ONE U SO DEARLY MISSED UR MOM AMEN
Carrie Rodler
July 16, 2017
A truly great man has passed on from this earth, a quiet and peaceful man whose work and deeds will live on through his students and friends. Though I was unable to continue in my study of the martial arts, Master Copeland's influence in my life was profound and permanent. He was truly a great man, and those who knew him were better for it. My sympathies to all those who grieve. Rest in peace, sir.
July 16, 2017
We miss you and feel honored to have walked life's path in your company. I wish you God's peace. With love and respect to my teacher, my mentor and my friend, Kathy and Tony Snow
Matt Durant
July 16, 2017
My condolences to the family and students of Sam. He was a great Martial Artist, and I was proud to call him my friend. He will be missed by myself and many others.
Michael DeMarco
July 16, 2017
Condolences to all family and friends,
Sam excelled in many things but no doubt his fine character is the most significant. A true gentleman. A blessing to have known him.
July 16, 2017
Grand Master Copeland was a great man full of spirit,knowledge and all around great man. I had the experience of knowing this man my whole life and experienced 16 years of being trained in the best style of Martial Arts. Gung Furniture by him. My heart and soul goes out to the family. R.i.please. Grand Master Copeland
Scott & Cyn Darby
July 16, 2017
Condolenses to the family, Sad to hear of Sam's passing he was a great friend may he rest in peace.
Johnny/Angela Johnson
July 16, 2017
Extending my deepest sympathy to the Copeland Family. Heaven has gained a great warrior. Be God bless and comfort you.
Daria Marnella
July 16, 2017
Sifu~
Thank you for your teaching, your friendship and the honor of being your student. The lessons I learned from you have lived on with me throughout my life. I will miss your laugh, your smile and the kindness that was always in your eyes.
Veronica and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers as you say good bye to your father, grandfather and loved one. You will always be in my heart. Rest now my friend.
Much respect to the man who called me " golden girl" .
Leslie Gavin
July 16, 2017
To the family, May God bring you comfort in your time of loss. Sam was a great teacher of Martial Arts that will be remembered by all of his students.
Kevin Finney
July 16, 2017
RIP GM Copeland, you will be missed in many ways.
GM Finney
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