Joe A. Copeland
1933 – 2010

Joe A. Copeland, 76, of Panama City Beach, FL, passed away Sunday, March 14, 2010 at Select Specialty Hospital in Panama City, FL after an extended illness. After residing in Columbus, GA for thirteen years, Joe enjoyed retirement in Panama City Beach for the past twenty four years.

Joe was born in LaGrange, GA and served honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War before earning his undergraduate degree from LaGrange College where he played basketball on scholarship. He later became the first full time coach for LaGrange College and was recognized later in life for his many contributions to the program by being inducted into the LaGrange College Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.

After his sports career, Joe earned his Masters degree in Education from Auburn University. He then joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation and served as a Special Agent for twenty two years before his retirement. He made numerous contributions to the Bureau, including working three years on the Kennedy assassination in Dallas, Texas.

Joe was a member of the Woodlawn United Methodist Church and was a loving and dedicated husband and father. More than anything, he loved spending time with his close family and friends. He was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan and also enjoyed the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Peggy Elliot of Panama City, FL. He is survived by his wife of fifty five years, Marion Copeland; his three children, Jodi Copeland Jernigan of Johns Creek, GA, Jay Copeland (Katie) of Midland, GA, Stuart Copeland (Michele) of Pensacola, FL; his grandchildren, Elizabeth Copeland, Jake Jernigan and Jordan Jernigan and his brother, Wayne Copeland (Carolyn) of LaGrange, GA.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. EDT Saturday, March 20, 2010 at New Park Cemetery in Fort Gaines, GA. Condolences to the family may be sent to www.wilsonfuneralhome.net.

Wilson Funeral Home