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Walter Copeland Obituary
Walter Clarence Copeland III, 78, passed away on October 13, 2014 after a long struggle with Parkinson's and Lewy body disease.
A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, October 16th at Beggs Funeral home, followed by a memorial service celebrating his life at 11:00 AM. A brief graveside service will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
He was born and reared in Madison, Florida, the only child of Walter Clarence Copeland, Jr., and Willie Clare Sims Copeland.
He graduated from Madison High School and Yale University with a degree in industrial engineering. At Yale, he was a member of the Mory's Association, the St. Elmo Society, and played trumpet with the Yale Symphony Orchestra and Yale Marching Band. After graduation, he served five years in the United States Army and Army Reserve. He spent his professional career with his family's business, Copeland Gas Company, and was past president of the Madison Rotary Club. His favorite times were spent with his family, whether hunting and exploring the woods, listening to classical music, or backpacking through Europe with his best friend and wife, Frances. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Madison, Florida where he served as a Deacon and as a Sunday School teacher.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Frances Stewart Copeland; his three sons, Brett Stewart Copeland (Douglas Johnson) of Washington, DC; Walter Sims Copeland (Jennifer) of Madison, and Scot Benjamin Copeland (Katy) of Tallahassee, Fl; three grandchildren, Parker Copeland and Collin Copeland of Madison, and Jack Copeland of Tallahassee, Fl; an aunt, Agnes Sims Studstill of Madison, Fl; an uncle, Robert "Bobby" Copeland and Shirley of Melbourne, Fl; and mother-in-law Eloise Glass Stewart of Pinetta, Fl.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Big bend Hospice, 1723 Mahon Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308, Madison First Baptist Church (1898 sanctuary), P. O. Box 307, Madison, Fl 32341, or Madison Academy, P. O. Box 690, Madison, FL 32341.
Beggs Funeral home is in charge of arrangements 850-973-2258.
You may send your condolences to the family by visiting our website at www.beggsfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Copeland
5 Entries
October 20, 2014
Mrs. Frances, Brett, Walter and Scott,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. W.C was an incredible man. May God's grace comfort you and know that he lives on in you all. Much love and peace, Liza Bulloch Witmer
October 17, 2014
Dear Mrs. Frances, Brett, Scot & Walter,
I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Copeland. Mom (Jo Wesson) would tell me about seeing him at Lake Park occasionally and "checking" on him and I used to enjoy talking with him at First Baptist when we were in youth group with you guys. I know how hard this is as we just lost our dad in June. My prayers are with you all...
Millie Wesson-Marky
October 16, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss.
Anne Canova Anderson
Faye & Oliver Farr
October 16, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I enjoyed working with W.C. and getting to know the family when I was at VB&T. Our prayers are with the family.
Bob Wieland
October 16, 2014
Prayers to your family. Bryan Electric
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Beggs Funeral Home - Madison Chapel235 NW Orange Avenue, Madison, FL 32340
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