John A. Copeland

He was born in Miami Beach, Florida, on February 8, 1954.

John leaves behind his beautiful and devoted wife, Marta, his mother Betsy Copeland, brother Bruce (Renee), a niece Megan, a nephew David, four aunts, Lou Porter, Martha Hazlett, Erma Webb, Frances English, numerous cousins; and his lifelong friends, and fellow musicians, Steve and Carleton Ferry. He also leaves behind the band of country musicians that he led for nearly a decade, the group he liked to call "The Usual Suspects" - Bruce, Rodger, Kathy, Kenny, Douglas, Rick, Brent, Bo, Donna, and Sande. He also leaves a bunch of passionate and rowdy groupies.

For John it was always about Marta and The Music. John and Marta carved a small piece of paradise just south of town. The beauty of their home and the wilderness around them were overshadowed only by their warmth and welcome. The house on Betty's Pond was a beacon that attracted all sorts of characters. Regulars and guests came to eat John's smoked grouper and Marta's Cuban delicacies, and contributed their own dishes to musical soirees that went late into the night. John's last wishes were that the band continue to play without him, and to think of him when we do. It will be hard to play without him; but we'll think about him every single time we do.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memorial services will be held at 2PM on July 17, 2011, at Hope Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 4680 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, Florida. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society , 2619 Centennial Boulevard, Suite 101, Tallahassee, Florida.

Arrangements are under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Tallahassee, FL.