Vernon graduated from Woodbine High School in Camden County and went right to work for Babcock and Wilcox in Brunswick, Georgia as a boilermaker, where he remained for 35 years. In his spare time, Vernon was a talented builder, building his own home and the homes of many family members.
During this time, he met the love of his life and his best friend, Faye Ogden. They were happily devoted to each other for 54 years.
Vernon was a dedicated farmer and cattleman who spent over 50 years as a member of the Georgia Farm Bureau and as a member of Georgia Masonic Lodge #717 where he supported Georgia youth. He was an active member in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He loved his grandchildren deeply and dedicated his time to teaching them about family, faming, living off of and preserving the land, living within (and under) their means, avoiding debt at all costs, being men of their word, being proud of the family name, loving their country, and always lending a helping hand to their neighbors.
Vernon is preceded in death by the love of his life and wife; Faye Ogden Copeland, brother; Pete Copeland, sisters; Christine VanSickle, Merlene Burgess, and Leola Padgett, and three great-grandchildren who are angels in Heaven.
Survivors include two sons, Vernon Copeland, Jr. (Vicki) of Brunswick and Larry Copeland (Lisa) of Waverly; four grandchildren, Dusty Copeland (Gina), Mark Copeland (Erica), Jonathon Copeland, and Kimberly Copeland; eight great-grandchildren, Bailey Copeland, Caden Copeland, Riley Copeland, Brice Copeland, Easton Copeland, Cutler Copeland, Caroline Copeland, Sean Self; a brother, Ed Copeland (Verdene); and sisters, Ruby Dukes, Myrtis Lumpkin, and Eunice Johnson.
Vernon loved the outdoors and his cows. He was proud of his heritage and the preservationist he was. He worked hard to keep development from destroying the area of the home, heritage, and history he loved in Camden County. He was a man of integrity who was honest and sincere in his dealings with others. If he told you something, you could bank on it – Vernon always kept his word.
He is sorely missed by his family.
The Copeland family would like to extent their most sincere thanks to the 4SS staff at Southeast Georgia Health Systems.
A visitation will be held at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home on September 7, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on September 8, 2023 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brunswick, GA at 11:00 AM.
Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is honored to have assisted the Copeland family.
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