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Earl Fred Copeland, known to many as Fred, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at his residence. He was born on August 21, 1936, to John Bishop Copeland and Wilma Burnett Copeland in Marks, MS.
Fred grew up in a large family with eight children, five boys and three girls. All five sons served in the military, with four of them serving in the United States Navy and one in the United States Air Force.
Fred served 22 years in the United States Navy during the Korean and Vietnam wars as an Air Traffic Controller. At retirement, he was an OS1 (operational specialist). His time in the service took the two of them to Charleston, South Carolina, Norfolk, VA, Brunswick, GA, and California. After his retirement from the US Navy, he spent 10 years with Atlantic Richfield Oil Refinery in Long Beach, CA.
Fred and Evelyn had no children but were blessed with many nieces and nephews. They were married for 68 years, with many great memories of people and places, as they loved to travel. They made their home in California for over 30 years, next to Dallas, Texas, and Atlanta, and also returned home to Braxton, MS. Fred and Evelyn made many friends at their various homes and during their travels.
Fred is survived by his wife, Evelyn Sheppard Copeland; one brother, Larry Copeland; and three sisters, Lucy Lovertich, Wilma Walsh, and Patsy Grantham.
Preceding him in death were his parents, John Bishop Copeland and Wilma Burnett Copeland; siblings, John Copeland Jr., Billy Copeland, and Jack Copeland.
Visitation will be on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Tutor Funeral Home in Mendenhall, MS, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. Rev. Andy Gipson will officiate the service at 11:00 am in the chapel at Tutor Funeral Home. Burial will follow on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the MS Veterans National Cemetery in Biloxi, MS.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners’ Children’s Hospital.
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