Posey W. Copeland, Jr.

Posey W. Copeland, Jr., of Clinton, S.C., died September 5, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Clinton on March 20, 1941, to the late Posey W. Copeland, Sr., and Sara Buford Copeland, he grew up on a dairy farm, graduate of Clemson University, and worked for the South Carolina Forestry Commission his entire career. While a student at Clemson he convinced his high school sweetheart, Sarah Bradshaw Copeland, then a student at the University of South Carolina, to marry him–no small thing. In their 64 years of marriage, he was Daddy to Jennifer E. Copeland, Benjamin W. Copeland (Stephanie Foster Copeland), and Catherine M. Copeland Nordeen. He was Poppa to six grandchildren, Nathan Cox, Hannah Cox, Jami Copeland, Sarah Copeland, Megan Nordeen, and Janis Nordeen; and three great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Theodore, and Genevieve.

Having never met a stranger, he opened most conversations by asking, “Where are you from?” and quickly established a connection, sometimes even a distant family tie. His years with the Forestry Commission took him all over South Carolina providing opportunities to make and keep friends. After 38 years, he retired from paid employment and began his dream job of running his small farm, which at various times included cows, horses, goats, sheep, chickens, and dogs. It was a wonderland for grandchildren. His gardens were his passion, and they were known by all, not only for their copious production, but also for his generosity in sharing everything he grew.

Besides farming and gardening, in retirement he served on the Laurens County Forestry Board of the S.C. Forestry Commission and the Farm Bureau State Board, chairing the Forestry Advisory Committee. He was an active member of Broad Street United Methodist Church, helping anchor the usher core and supporting youth group special events.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Benjamin F. Copeland and sister, Sally C. Copeland.

A celebration of life will be held at Broad Street United Methodist Church in Clinton on September 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., officiated by the Reverend Morgan Byars and the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. The committal will follow later in the afternoon at Rosemont Cemetery, 807 Willard Road, Clinton, SC 29325.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Project Warm Ministry of Broad Street United Methodist Church, 310 N. Broad St., Clinton, SC 29325.

Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.grayfuneralhome.com

Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is assisting the Copeland family with services.