Edward Copeland Jr.

Edward Copeland, Jr., age 72, passed away peacefully from heart failure on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. Born in Ahoskie, NC, Ed was the son of the late Edward Copeland, Sr. and Jewel Jernigan Copeland. He most recently resided in Banner Elk, NC, with his wife Susan.
For over 45 years, Ed owned and managed the Piz za Inn restaurant in Ahoskie, as well as two additional restaurants in eastern North Carolina. His dedication to his work and community left a lasting impact on many.
Ed was preceded in death by his sister, Peggy McLean. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan Hudspeth Copeland of Banner Elk; his son Tripp, daughter-in-law Maggie, and granddaughter Finley of Charleston, SC; his son Thomas of Denver, CO; and his son Joseph, daughter-in-law Brittany, and granddaughter Jewel, also of Denver, CO.
Ed graduated from college in 1975, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, served as a residence advisor, and majored in business. He was a passionate supporter of Appalachian State University athletics, especially football and basketball, and loved tailgating with friends. Upon retirement, Ed and Susan returned to the NC mountains, a place they both cherished. In his twenties, Ed became a private pilot and delighted in taking his family on trips, creating treasured memories. He was known for his humor and his gift for making others laugh. At age 70, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing a red Corvette, reminding everyone that "life is too short to put off getting something you have always wanted." Throughout his life, Ed embraced adventure-snowboarding, scuba diving, boating, golfing, traveling, and coaching his sons in baseball. He was also a devoted member of Ahoskie First Baptist Church and, more recently, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Banner Elk.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 PM at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Banner Elk. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and honor Ed's memory.
Ed's greatest joy was being with his family. He was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, and a loyal friend to many. His humor, warmth, and generosity will be remembered always.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
• Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 (in gratitude for their support during Hurricane Helene recovery)
• Shriner's Children's Hospital, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 (honoring Ed's decision to become a Mason early in his adult life)
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.