Joseph Copeland
MURFREESBORO, N.C.—Joseph Rudolph “Rudy” Copeland, 87, died Feb. 13, 2009, at Rich Square Health Care Center.
Mr. Copeland was born June 25, 1921 to Julia Ota Mathews Copeland and Joseph F. Copeland in Murfreesboro.
A life long member of the Mount Tabor Baptist Church in Murfreesboro and a veteran of World War II, he was a successful distributor of publications, president and owner of Paul’s Inc and president and co-owner of City News Inc., both of Charlottesville, prior to his retirement in 1994.
He was married to the late Dorothy Strange Copeland for 46 years prior to her death in 1994.
Survivors include his second wife of 13 years, Louise Phipps Copeland of Murfreesboro; his daughter, Carole Lohman and husband Leonard of Charlottesville; his son, Jon Marc Copeland of Richmond; his stepdaughter, Kathy Brett; his stepson, George Randall Copeland and wife Cindy; his stepdaughter, Karen Cavin and husband Scott, all of Murfreesboro; and six grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to United Hospice of Eastern Carolina, 301 South Church Street, Rocky Mount, N.C. 27804.
There will be a private inurnment for the family and close friends at Arlington National Cemetery early in March.
Sykes Funeral Service of Rich Square is handling the arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at sykesfuneralservice.com.