Michael Eugene Copeland

Michael Eugene Copeland, 68, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 6, 2015, at Covenant Hospice Joyce Goldenberg Residence after a brief illness. Michael was born on February 17, 1947, in Pascagoula MS. He was drafted into military service in 1969 and honorably served 24 years as a Navy Seabee, reaching the rank of Master Chief. Michael had a distinguished military career and among his many honors and awards were a Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star, Navy Achievement Medal with Gold Star, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist Breast Insignia. Michael is survived by his wife, Sandra Waddle Copeland. He is also survived by his sons Michael Todd Copeland (Nadiya) and Gregory Eugene Copeland, both of Gulfport MS, his granddaughter Arden Copeland, as well as his brothers Alva Sherwood Copeland (Rebecca) of Grand Bay AL, William Copeland (Lily Mae) of Moss Point MS, James Copeland (Gwen) of Moss Point MS, and his sister Barbara Copeland Longsjo (Tom) of Alpine UT, a multitude of loving nieces and nephews, cousins, and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents Alva Collins Copeland and Daisy Courtney Coward Copeland, and his sister Annette Copeland Bailey. Michael's family will receive visitors on Friday, September 18, 2015, at Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens, 1985 W Nine Mile Road, Pensacola FL 32534, from 12:30 pm until 1:30 pm. A memorial service will then be held at 2:00 pm at Barrancas National Cemetery aboard NAS Pensacola. Donations in Michael's memory may be made to Covenant Hospice, 5041 N 12th Avenue, Pensacola FL 32504.Our lives were made better by loving, and having been loved by, Michael. Arrangements by Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home.