Raymond Dale Ray Copeland, 69, of Virginia Beach passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at Envoy of Staunton.
Mr. Copeland was born on March 22, 1946, a son of the late James W. Copeland, Sr. and Clarice H. Copeland.
Ray attended Frank W. Cox High School and was a veteran of the United States Air Force having served during the Vietnam era. A retiree of General Electric of Norfolk, he was also an accomplished mechanic and carpenter with over 40 years of experience. Ray was born and raised in the Norfolk and Virginia Beach area where he learned to fish and crab with his father. He loved the ocean and in later years he could often be found fishing off the Virginia Beach pier. Ray loved to read and write, kept a journal and wrote poetry about lifes unexpected journeys. He was a talented artist in his youth who enjoyed drawing and painting and competed in several art competitions. Mr. Copeland appreciated lifes simple joys and was always grateful to anyone who touched his life even in the smallest way. He will be remembered and missed by family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Copeland was preceded in death by a brother, James W. Copeland, Jr.
Surviving are four daughters, Patricia, Deborah, Anita and Christina;
three brothers, Jerry W. Copeland of Huntington, WV, Donald E. Copeland of Virginia Beach and William W. Copeland of Staunton; a sister, Patricia Blankenship of Rock Hill, SC; an aunt, Ruth Hammond of Norfolk; and a number of grandchildren, nieces and nephews, also survive.
Burial arrangements will be conducted at a later date in Virginia Beach.
A special thank you to his youngest daughter Christine Crislip, who was a loving care giver towards the end of his life.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of his arrangements.