Elva Ray Copeland

Mr. Elva Ray “Pete” Copeland, 90, passed away at his home on February 25, 2020. He was born on September 6, 1929 in Waverly, GA to Abraham Lincoln and Corine Drury Copeland. He moved to Jacksonville in 1947 after graduating from Camden High School. He served in the Army and later returned to Jacksonville to join his uncle in the family business, Southside Radiator and Welding Works, which he eventually owned and expanded to an additional location in Mandarin, Mandarin Radiator, for a total span of more than 60 years. Pete was a long time member and 1992 Past Master of Mandarin Masonic Lodge #343.

Pete was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth Sheppard Copeland, who he met in Philadelphia while in the Army. He is survived by sons, Michael Ray Copeland (Kim) and Russell Alan Copeland (Shirley); daughter, Joanne Lynn Dickerson; 6 Grandchildren, Michael Jr. (Jessica), Rebecca, Russell Jr. (Kayla), Ricky (Jillian), Cameron (Bethanie), Shelby (Gabriel); 8 Great Grandchildren, Kali, Rylee, Kyndall, Allie, Grace, Brynn, Coralynne and Rhett. Pete is also survived by 6 siblings, Ruby, Eunice, Myrtis (Bill), Vernon, Ed and Merlene (Mac), along with many other cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The Visitation will be held on Friday February 28, 2020 6 PM to 8 PM at Hardage-Giddens Mandarin Funeral Home 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223. A Graveside Service will be held at 11 am on Saturday February 29, 2020 at Ella Park Cemetery, Dover Bluff Road, Waverly, GA.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025