On May 6, 2021, Curtis Copeland (George Eddie Curtis Copeland) passed away at NHC Healthcare of Sparta.
Curtis was born Nov. 9, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, to Charlie Clarence Copeland and Margaret Ozell Thompson Copeland, who preceded him in death.
He was raised in White County, where he attended Yankeetown “university” and White County High School. WCHS was where he met his lifelong sweetheart, Carolyn Cantrell. They were married, on May 17, 1963, and built their life together in the Old Zion community where their two daughters, Cindy and Christy, were born and raised.
Curtis’ accomplishments are many: stand-out high school basketball player, U.S. Army and Tennessee National Guard veteran, licensed contractor and builder of many family homes and several churches, avid hunter and fisherman, member of the Gideons International, former deacon, and cattle farmer. But if you asked him what he is most proud of, he would smile and pull out pictures of his five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Curtis enjoyed spending time with friends, eating breakfast at several local restaurants. He enjoyed traveling around the country with Carolyn, always choosing the scenic route. He was a regular at WCHS basketball games and a Warrior for life.
Curtis was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Lewis Copeland.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years (May 17), Carolyn Cantrell Copeland; daughters, Cindy and husband Michael Griggs, Christy and husband Kevin Gooch; grandchildren, Candice (Michael) Allen, Audrey (Cody) Gentry, Keaton (Dallas) Gooch, Chaney Gooch, Japheth Griggs; great-grandchildren, Bennington Gentry, Emmy Faye Allen, Stella Gooch, Lottie Gentry, Copeland Gooch; and sisters, Margaret (Harvie) Johnson and Cathy Copeland Geer.
Funeral service was 2 p.m., May 10, 2021, at Copeland Chapel Church, with burial in Copeland Chapel Cemetery. Bro. Doug Benningfield and Bro. Tony Wilson officiated.
Members of the Gideons served as pallbearers. Sons-in-law and grandsons were recognized as honorary pallbearers.
Friends who wish may honor Curtis’ memory through a memorial donation to the Gideons International.
Oak Lawn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
