He was born on June 7, 1930 to Robert F. Copeland and Mary Louise Jester Copeland in Cullman.
Wendell served in the U.S. Air Force in active duty and reserve from 1952-59 during the Korean War. After discharge he lived in Birmingham and worked at Hayes Aircraft before eventually relocating to Cullman to raise his family. In 1968, he co-founded C&F Carwash and Pressure Systems, a business that built car washes across North Alabama and surrounding states, leaving a lasting impact on the local economy.
Wendell was a dedicated and active member of the Cullman community, where he poured his time and energy into civic organizations and the economic growth of the area. Wendell served on the City of Cullman Planning Commission for 34 years, helping to shape the development of the community he loved. He was a proud member of the Lions Club for 62 years and served on the board of Hospice of Cullman County, reflecting his lifelong dedication to service and care for others.
Wendell’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. A lifelong member of St. Andrew’s Global Methodist Church in Cullman, he sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. He was a proud member of the North Alabama Emmaus Community, serving on Walk #5. He approached life with humility, kindness, and a deep sense of duty, always striving to lead by example.
Above all, Wendell was a devoted family man and a servant-hearted leader. He was preceded in death by his parents, two siblings (Mary Lorene Bates and Bobby Glenn), his son Brian Gregory, and beloved wife of 51 years, Jackie.
Wendell is survived by his devoted wife of 17 years, Helen Marie Copeland, and his sisters, Shirley Copeland Hays and Betty Copeland Blackwood.
Son-in-Law and daughters Lee and Helen Dunn, and Susan Copeland
His grandchildren, Thaddeus Copeland (Ryan Bagley), Bess House, Sarah Dunn, Katelyn (Matt) Yarnold, Laura (Brandon) Reeder; seven great-grandchildren, Haddon, Henry, Adelaide, Walter Reeder, Kinley, Collin, and Walter Yarnold.
Visitation will take place at St. Andrew’s Global Methodist Church in Cullman from 5-8 pm on Thursday, May 15. A celebration of life service will occur Friday, May 16 at St. Andrews at 11 am followed by a graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrews Global Methodist Church and Cullman Caring for Kids.
