William Carroll "Wc" Copeland Jr.

COLERAIN, NC - William Carroll "W.C." Copeland, Jr., a devoted servant of the Lord and beloved member of his family and community, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on September 4, 2025, in Colerain, North Carolina, after a lengthy illness. Born on June 27, 1956, in Ahoskie, NC, W.C. lived a life full of love, commitment, and adventure, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire those who knew him. He was 69 years old.
W.C. graduated from Murfreesboro High School in 1974 and furthered his education at Chowan College (now University) with an Associate's Degree in Pre-Pulp and Paper Science in 1976. He then went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Pulp and Paper Science and Technology from NC State in 1978. It was during these formative years that he married his high school sweetheart, Fran Bunch, in 1977. Together, they embarked on a journey filled with shared dreams and accomplishments, enjoying 48 wonderful years of marriage.
W.C. worked at multiple paper mills across the South in Texas, Arkansas, South Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia, ultimately retiring and returning to Eastern NC. Over the course of his career, he held the positions of Process Engineer, Technical Manager, Customer Services Manager, and Environmental Manager.
Beyond his professional achievements, W.C. was deeply committed to his faith and community. He and his family lived in Monroeville, Alabama for 18 years. He was an active member and leader at First Baptist Church Monroeville, where he served as a deacon, RA leader, and on the financial committee. His hands-on approach to faith was evident in his involvement with youth mission trips and Habitat for Humanity, where he helped build homes and hope for many. He found a welcoming spiritual home wherever he lived, and when he settled in Colerain, he made Open Door Church - Edenton Campus his final church home.
W.C. was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, boating, playing golf, and traveling. His home on the Chowan River was his happy place and where he felt most at peace. He was a devoted husband, father, and son, spending his life serving the Lord and others.
He is preceded in death by his father, William Carroll Copeland, Sr.; brother, Greg Copeland; and father-in-law, Percy Bunch. W.C. is survived by his loving wife, Fran Bunch Copeland; son, Matt Copeland and wife Christina; daughter, Merry Obert and husband Neal; mother, Meredith Miller and husband Henry; grandchildren, Blake, Brannon, Elissa, and Nate Copeland, and Evan Obert; great-granddaughter, Evelyn Copeland; step-brother, Louis Miller and wife Charlotte; step-sister, Cheryl Miller; mother-in-law, Lynette Bunch; sister-in-law, Julie Hopf and husband Jim; brother-in-law, Michael Bunch and wife Vanessa; and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Ellie Boyette and Jackie Beecham for their compassionate care and support during these last few years.
W.C. Copeland's life was a testament to love, faith, and perseverance. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Chowan Chapel on the Chowan University campus in Murfreesboro, NC, on Tuesday, September 9, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Dennis Bazemore officiating. A reception will follow in the President's Dining Room.
The family requests no flowers. In honor of W.C.'s generous spirit, memorial donations may be made directly to The Parkinson's Foundation, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126 or online by clicking here; directly to Chowan University, 1 University Drive, Murfreesboro, NC 27855 or online by clicking here; or directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking here.
Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting garrettsykesfs.com. Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service - Ahoskie Chapel is honored to be assisting the Copeland family during this time.
The service will be live streamed. See tab below the "Celebration of Life" or under the Tribute Wall. It will begin a few minutes prior to the service time. In the event, there are any technical difficulties, the recorded service will be uploaded to the obituary following the live event. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Carroll "WC" Copeland, Jr., please visit our floral store.