Henry Willis Copeland, Jr., 87, passed away at home. He is survived by wife Patsy Copeland, first wife Fran Copeland Carpenter and their three sons Henry W. Copeland, III (Patti); Charles Copeland (Frances); and Frank Copeland (Hannelore); by stepdaughter Kelly Slaton, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Henry attended Starke University School in Montgomery, AL, Tuskegee High School and he served in the United States Air Force as an airplane mechanic, then went on to complete his engineering degree at Auburn University.
While still in high school, the enterprising and industrious Henry Copeland began his first business as a sign maker. He was an electrician, plumber, pilot and aviation enthusiast, short story writer, and owner of a champion bird dog, his beloved labrador retriever,
Mr. Beau Jangles. Most of his professional career was spent as a design engineer and he held several patents with others in development at the time of his passing. Henry was an ardent music lover and songwriter with a passion for grand opera and the guitar stylings of Doyle Dykes. On points of art, politics, engineering, a proper martini, and anything powered by a motor or simple hand crank, Henry’s uncommon intellect prevailed.
Henry, you will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Atlanta Opera at www.atlantaopera.org, preferably with a note to encourage the production of the classic grand operas.