John F. Copeland

John F. Copeland, 88, of Pavo, Georgia entered Heaven on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, in the comfort of his home surrounded by family and friends.
John was born on October 26, 1935. A native of Colquitt County, Georgia, he was born in Moultrie and raised in Berlin. He moved to Tallahassee, Florida around 1985 and lived there until returning to Georgia in 2003 after purchasing a portion of land in Brooks County, that was formerly owned by his grandfather, John
Jacob Copeland. John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was honorably
discharged as an Airman 2nd class. He was stationed at Sonderstrom, Greenland during his overseas
tour of duty.
He was a mechanic by trade and the owner of Copeland’s Garage in both Berlin and Moultrie,
Georgia. He was a member of Kingwood Baptist Church in Moultrie, and his faith was beyond
question. He determined as a young man to only bring honor to his family name and to his Lord. He
once stated he wanted to be remembered as being cheerful and relaxed and he definitely lived up to
his goals.
John was an avid NASCAR fan and fishing was a favorite hobby. He liked nothing better than to sit on
a creek or pond bank with a fishing pole and he could do that for hours at a time. John loved and took
pride in keeping a well-kept lawn . Having a natural green thumb, he could make anything bloom.
John’s pride and joy was his family. He loved his sons and grandchildren and was so proud of their
accomplishments. With his grandchildren were nearly grown, and as he reached retirement age, he
remarried and gained two daughters, as well as three very young grandchildren and one on the way.
John was a great influence in their lives and they loved their Papa John dearly.
John is survived by his wife of nearly 23 years, Laura Travassos Copeland, children: Chris Copeland
and Shannon Renfro (James); grandchildren: Jason, Kellen (Staci), and Wesley (Katie) Copeland,
Charli Jaye Deese, Codi and Clay Chastain, and Haley Boyd; great-grandchildren: Johanna and Brody
Copeland; brothers: Junior (Christine), William (Gayle), and Donald (Beth) Boyd and sister: Dorothy
(Ferrell) Sellers; and many loved nieces, nephews and In-laws.
Family members welcoming John to his Heavenly Home include his Mother, Lucy Davis Copeland
Boyd; Father, John Fletcher Copeland; Stepfather, Jasper Boyd; Son, John Mikeal (Mike) Copeland,
daughter, Sherron Gregory Boyd; 14 brothers and sisters and many dear nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of John’s life will be held Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 11 AM at Pleasant Hill Baptist
Church 1048 John Buck McCoy Rd, Moultrie, Georgia. Family will receive friends starting 30
minutes prior to the service. Burial will take place at a later date, to be attended by immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to a youth program at a church of choice.