Obituary of Tommy Copelan, Sr

Tommy Ronald Copelan, Sr, 82, widower of Alice Ricketts Copelan, went to be with the Lord, Saturday, November 5, 2022. Ronnie was a member of Durbin Creek Baptist Church and a US Army veteran. He surrendered to the call of God into the ministry at the age of 55. He served as Brotherhood director and was also a Sunday School teacher. He was a member of the Laurens Baptist Association where he served on several committees as well as being the Trustee of the property and helped with food pantries and clothing. Tommy served overseas on 3 trips for 2 weeks each trip within a 3-year time period helping build churches and pews while witnessing for God. He joined East Tennessee Appalachian Outreach (now known as Appalachian Outreach of the Smokies), based at Carson Newman College in Jefferson City Tennessee, and served on staff for 20 years. God on the Mountain and Old Rugged Cross were his favorite hymns and Mark 12:30 was his favorite bible verse. Surviving are six children, Phil Copelan and wife Donna, Bob Copelan and wife Kim, Robin Tate and husband Barry, Greg Saxon and wife Angela, Tom Copelan and wife Ginger and Rhonda Thorpe and husband Mitchell; a brother, Ray Copelan and wife Syble; fifteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife Dot Copelan, he was predeceased by a grandson, Justin Copelan. A Celebration of Tommy’s Life will be 2pm Friday at Fletcher Funeral Service. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow at Cannon-Byrd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.