William E. "Bill" Copeland

November 4, 1941 - December 14, 2020

William Edward Copeland (Bill) of Lake View, Alabama, passed away on December 14, 2020, at home, surrounded by his family. He was born to Louree Parker Copeland and Edward Julian Copeland on November 4, 1941. Bill graduated from Castle Heights Military Academy and the University of Alabama. Mr. Copeland retired from Birmingham Southern Railroad after 28 years of service. He served on the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education from 2006 until his death. He was an active member of Lakeview Baptist Church for more than 50 years, a founding member of the Lakeview Volunteer Fire Department, and an active volunteer in the fire department for more than 40 years. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy Givens Copeland; and two sons: William Todd Copeland and his wife Meg, and Joel Edward Copeland and his wife Julie: as well as four grandchildren: Jaret Copeland, Will Whitley, Ramey Copeland, and Maggie Whitley, all of McCalla, Alabama. He is also survived by his sister, DeAnne Copeland Riley and her husband Branton Riley, as well as several nieces and nephews. Mr. Copeland was preceded in death by his parents and his aunt, Nancy Collins. A memorial service will be held at Lakeview Baptist Church at 1:30 pm on January 3, 2021. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education Elementary Library Book Fund (contact 205-342-7340).