COPELAND, Earl D, A native of Overton County TN, and a Retired U.S. Navy veteran, passed away January 11, 2015. Preceded in death by parents Hughie and Maggie Copeland of Overton County, brother Norman Copeland, Livingston, TN, sister Frances Ruth Fields, Doyle TN, and infant daughter Donna Kay, Honolulu, HI.
He leaves behind wife of 55 years, Betty of Hermitage, son Mike (Sue) Copeland, and granddaughter Kelsey, of Mt. Juliet, TN and sister Patsy Ann (John) Shepherd of Mt. Juliet, TN.
Mr. Copeland was born in Overton County Tennessee Aug 27, 1936. He attended elementary school at Oak Grove School in Alpine and was a member of the 1955 graduating class of Livingston Academy High School. Soon after graduation, seeking adventure, Mr. Copeland joined the U.S. Navy; the adventure was so great that he decided to make a career out of it. During his Naval career Mr. Copeland served tours in San Diego CA, Guam, Okinawa, Kemi Seya Japan, Skaggs Island CA, Midway Island, Wahiawa HI, Cheltenham MD, Chesapeake VA, Guam again, Misawa Japan, Udorn Thailand and Ft. George G. Meade MD, where he retired in September 1975 as a Chief Cryptologic Technician. After his military service Mr. Copeland was employed by the state of Tennessee for a period of four years, then began a second career with the United States Postal Service, serving nearly 21 years before retiring in August 2000.
Mr. Copeland was a lifetime member of The Retired Enlisted Association, a member of the Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association, The Fleet Reserve Association and the American Postal Workers Union. He was a member of Tulip Grove Baptist Church. Until his health no longer allowed, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking.
A Funeral Service will be conducted at 12pm Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at the Hermitage Funeral Home with Pastor Gerald Bontrager officiating. A Military burial will follow in the Hermitage Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be Tuesday from 4pm until 8pm and 1 hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675
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