Michael Eugene Copeland "Mike"

Mike was born in Joplin, Missouri on March 12, 1953 and grew up in Hueytown, Alabama. In his early life, he served in the U.S. Army. Mike worked for McAbee Construction Company for 37 years, during which time he was instrumental in the development of the Veteran’s Memorial Park on McFarland Blvd. He spent endless hours with the McAbee Pigfitters Cook Team participating in charitable events as well as competition cooking. Mike and the Pigfitters were often found tailgating on Game Day, cooking for family, friends, customers, and colleagues. The Team was no stranger to cooking for a cause, providing food for organizations like the Boy Scouts of America, Veteran’s Affairs, UA Student Government Services, etc.; but DCH Barbecue and Blue Jeans became their largest charity event. Mike was instrumental in coordinating the Takin’ Cancer for a Ride motorcycle rallies.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert E. and Shirley Copeland; brother, Bobby Copeland; and grandchild, Logan Olmstead.

He is survived by his spouse, Rhonda Copeland of Tuscaloosa, AL; daughter, Christy Johnson (Kenny) of Marion, AL; son, Jeffrey Nelson Evett of Tuscaloosa, AL; sisters, Pam Shinholster; brother, Ricky Copeland;sister-in-law, Cindy Jones (David); beloved dog Molly; grandchildren, Michael Wayne Olmstead (Sidney) of Duncanville, AL; great-grandkids, Peighton and Preston Olmstead of Duncanville, AL; numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers: Brad Wiggins, Wendell McAbee, Neil Terry, Jimmy Pugh, Joe Reece, Rod Mooney, Al Strickland, Matt Channell.

Honorary Pallbearers: Leah Ann and Ted Sexton, LeRoy McAbee and family, as well as past and present employees of McAbee Construction Company, past and present McAbee Pigfitters Cook Team, friends and neighbors of Riverdale community, and the entire staff of the Lewis and Faye Manderson Cancer Treatment Center, Dr. Pamela Hughes, Dr. John Crew, Dr. George Miller and Dr. John Miller. Past and present staff of DCH foundation.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lewis and Faye Manderson Cancer Treatment Center or DCH Cancer Center Foundation Help Hope Fund.

A visitation for Michael will be held Sunday, November 13, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Memory Chapel Funeral Home, 2200 Skyland Blvd East, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405. Following the visitation will be a graveside service at 2:00 PM at Memory Hill Gardens- Prayer, 2200 Skyland Blvd East, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35475.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemoryChapelFuneralHome.com for the Copeland "Mike" family.