Dr. John Bruce Copeland III

IN LOVING MEMORY

Dr. John Bruce Copeland III

Dec 22 1952 - Mar 20 2026 Mar 20 2026

John Wilson Copeland, later changed to John Bruce Copeland III to carry his father's full name, was born on December 22, 1952, at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska (then a US territory) to John and Dorothy Copeland. He passed away peacefully at home in The Colony, TX on March 20, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.

As the son in a career military family, John spent his childhood in various places and built lasting memories along the way. He held especially fond memories of living in Germany and the many adventures he shared with his younger sisters.

John attended the University of North Georgia (formerly North Georgia College), graduating in 1975, and remained an active alumnus throughout his life. After graduation, he served for two years in the United States Army with the 172nd Infantry in Anchorage, Alaska. Following his military service, he pursued his calling to ministry, earning both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Religious Education.

John devoted his life to serving others through full-time ministry. He faithfully served in a variety of roles, including pastoral staff, senior pastor, and later as an interim pastor. He most notably served as Senior Pastor of Skyline Family Fellowship for 13 years and during this time he completed his Doctor of Ministry in 2000. In addition to his pastoral work, he was a dedicated educator, teaching for many years at Wayland Baptist University and B.H. Carroll Theological Institute. He also served as Executive Director of the WBU Fairbanks, Alaska campus for 9 years.

In March 2020, John found a renewed sense of purpose through hospice chaplaincy. This work became his true calling, as he poured his heart into caring for others in their most vulnerable moments. He was passionate about mentoring and teaching future chaplains and became an official Clinical Pastoral Education International Training Supervisor/Educator shortly before his passing.

John was married to Jill Hall Copeland for 41 years, and together they raised their three wonderful children. He was a proud and devoted "Apa" to his 7 grandchildren, who brought him immense joy.

He loved fishing and hunting and cherished the beauty and adventure of the Alaskan outdoors. John was passionate about his country, served in various political and public service capacities, and enjoyed many years involved in leadership of Boy Scouts of America. A lifelong learner, John was always pursuing new interests-whether teaching himself to play the guitar or, after a recent skydiving experience, setting his sights on becoming certified for a solo jump. He found joy in many forms of music, especially Motown, southern gospel, instrumental and acapella. He will be remembered for his humor, his adventurous spirit, his passion for teaching, his willingness to offer sound advice, his culinary adventures, his desire to make ordinary experiences unique and memorable, and above all, his deep love for the Lord. His life was guided by his favorite scripture, Philippians 3:7–14.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Bruce Copeland; his son, John Bruce Copeland IV; and his sister, Deborah Kay.

He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Copeland; his sisters, Diane Madden (Kelly), Darlene Lawrence, and Maria Kilby (Marvin); the mother of his children, Jill Copeland; his daughters, Julianna Fine (Doug) and Jennifer Prell (Michael); and his beloved grandchildren, Makenzie (Josh), Jillian, Eli, Gabby, Dougie, Grayson, and Abby.

The family will receive friends during a Visitation on Friday March 27 th, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Berkshire Chapel, 9073 Berkshire Dr., Frisco, TX 75033. A service to celebrate John's life will be held on Saturday March 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship, 4141 International Pkwy, Carrollton, TX 75007.

Serving as pallbearers are Doug Fine, Michael Prell, Josh Lerner, Kelly Madden, Eli Prell, and Grayson Prell. Honorary pallbearers include Dougie Fine, Scott Madden, and Kenny Madden.

John's legacy of faith, love, and service lives on through his family, who will miss him every day.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Clinical Pastoral Education International and mailed to: CPEI 2105 Park Avenue, Suite 1, Orange Park, Florida 32073