Michael Wayne Copeland

Michael Wayne Copeland, Captain of the Charlotte Fire Department, died January 25, 2003. He was a 23 year veteran of the Charlotte Fire Department at Station #30 on Belle Oaks Drive. He leaves behind a daughter, mother, Dorothy Wilkes; three brothers, Phil, Rick and John "Scooter" Copeland; a sister, Janet Jenkins; two nephews, Brian and Daniel Williamson; and a niece, Lori Williamson.
Wayne was an avid wildlife advocate and a member of several wildlife conservational management organizations. He was a dedicated son, brother, father and friend who was always lending a helping hand to someone. When he was not serving the public as a firefighter/paramedic, he would most likely be spending time with friends somewhere in the fields, forests and waterways he loved to share with others. An Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, he continued to encourage and teach as a scoutmaster and merit badge counselor.

To Wayne, my first born son, From baby food to manhood your talents were many. So generous and kind and thoughtful too. Unique in ways that could only be you. I'll cherish the memories in my heart. Thus we will never be apart. This void is filled by our heavenly Father, where you have joined your earthly father. So sleep my son and be at rest, you gave mankind your very best. Your love of nature and all God's creation He will gather with others for a final celebration. With loving memories of your life, goodbye for now.
Mama, Dorothy Wilkes.
My Brother - He loved nature and worked to help preserve its beauty. He strived to serve his fellow man and always shared his beauty. You could take the man out of the woods, but you could not take the Boy Scout out of the Man. Phil & Lora Copeland.
To My Brother - I'm proud you were my brother. You were always there if I needed someone to talk to or if I needed a friend. I'll never forget the Good Times. Thanks for answering all my questions, that I needed to know. I'm sad that you are gone, but I'm happy you don't have any more pain. You've done all you can do in this world to help mankind, so rest. You were a special big brother to me. From your little brother, Scooter Copeland.

"Take Time to See'

It seems so hard
to understand
as I look out
across the land,
that all I view
belongs to me;
I ought to take
more time to see!

The distant hills
and mountains high,
the rolling clouds
and bright blue sky;
No one can take
these views from me,
as long as I have eyes to see.

A timid deer with haunting look
who stands refreshed
by yonder brook,
knows not that he
belongs to me;
Oh, what a thrilling sight to see!

The song of birds so gay & clear,
that fill the morning
air with cheer,
and fragrant flowers
of every hue
that stand erect
bedecked with dew;
All these & more belong to me,
if I but use my eyes to see.

When evening shadows
gather nigh
and twinkling stars
light up the sky,
I hear my Master say to me,
"I made it all for you to see."
My heart grows warm
with faith and pride
to know that
He is by my side.
Ray F. Zaner

My Brother - You were always there to support and encourage me along this road to life. Whether it was giving me advice to help me make a decision, an ear to listen, or a shoulder to cry on. We've shared tears and laughter. You have given me many wonderful memories that I will cherish forever in my heart. I admire the way you have always "Lived Life" instead of life living you. By giving of yourself unselfishly to those you knew and loved, and even to total strangers, you have touched so many lives and they will never be the same. I will miss you greatly the rest of my time on earth. I know this is not the end, for we will be together again when I join you and Daddy in Heaven. Wayne - You are what Hero's are made of, I Love You! - Janet "Sis" Jenkins.
In memory of my Uncle Wayne - He was someone who knew a lot about a little of everything, especially if it had anything to do with the wildlife. He was the only one I knew who had a peacock and some turkeys in his backyard as a child; I thought that was so cool. I loved going to his house and seeing his peacock. One thing I will always remember is all the animals inside of his house that he had stuffed. I always thought that was so neat. He could tell you anything about a deer that you wanted to know. He could tell you how old it was just by how much build was on the deer's teeth. He was always a very caring person; he has done a lot for other people. We will all miss him, but one day soon we will all meet again. - Lori Williamson.

One of the best things a person can say about Wayne Copeland is that he was genuine. He was Wayne Copeland through and through; what you saw is what you got. He put on no pretenses and either you were his friend or you weren't.
While Wayne's profession was that of a fire fighter, his passion was hunting. He was in his element sitting quietly amidst God's creations - whether it be fishing, waiting for the perfect rack on that prize deer, listening to turkeys talk to each other, or walking a trail in the mountains. Wayne loved being outside. In his younger days, he enjoyed rock climbing and working with the Boy Scouts of America. He could tell you of every wild plant, root and herb and what each could be used for. Later his interests turned more toward wild game and his involvement turned to the Wild Turkey Federation and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He would sit on a tree stump deep in the woods for hours and he would explain all the deer sounds. If one had been in the area, he knew it and was willing to wait as long as it took just to watch them in their natural habitat.
Obviously, Wayne was always ready to go hunting, but he would gladly give that up for a chance to help a friend in need. If he had one flaw, it was that he was too considerate and generous to a fault. He would literally deprive himself to help others. Too many people took advantage of Wayne's kindness, and although he knew they were doing it, he would continue to sacrifice his own needs to meet theirs.
Wayne's association in numerous organizations will be missed tremendously, but not as much as his involvement in the lives of his friends. He has left an empty place in many lives and is already missed beyond measure. His friends are honored to have been part of his too short life.
A Celebration of Life for Captain Wayne Copeland will be held at the Rockin K Ranch on Saturday, February 1, 2003 from 10:00-3:00 PM, 3700 Miranda Road, Casual Dress, Drop In - No Reservations Needed. If you have any questions, please call the Charlotte Firefighters Local 660 Office, 704-331-9515.
The family would like to invite everyone to come by and help celebrate Wayne's life.
In lieu of flowers, people may donate to any of the following charities in the name of Wayne Copeland: Rocky Mountain Elk Fund, PO Box 8249, Missoula, MT 59807-8249, ATTN: Major Gift Coordinator; National Wild Turkey Federation, Charlotte Chapter/Chris Croy, 7301 Maitland Lane, Charlotte, NC 28215; or to NRA of America, PO Box 420648, Palm Coast, FL 32142.
McEwen Funeral Service is serving the family of Captain Wayne Copeland.