Mr. William Ezel Copeland, known to many as "Bill," was born to the late William and Larena Copeland, in Spartanburg, South Carolina on November 29, 1930. He was a devout Jehovah's Witness, who lived a life of longevity, a blessed life with no complaints. He was a very humble man, a devoted husband, an exceptional father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was a very gracious, helpful, compassionate, loving and calm man. Bill passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the age of 94.

Bill was enlisted in the United States Army from 1948 to 1977, when he received Honorable Discharge as Staff Sergeant. He attended Lincoln Technical Institute and received his Diploma in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Systems in 1980. He received a Certificate of Training in Weapons Safety and Maintenance, conducted by The Office of Protection Services in 1984, from the Smithsonian Institute of Washington, DC, from where he retired in 1992. Upon retirement, Bill established his own business, which was Copeland Janitorial Services.

Bill is preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Barbara Ann Copeland, his brothers: Jonathan Copeland (Katherine) and Rayfield Copeland (Irene); his son: Joseph Copeland (Gloria - deceased); his grandson: Ricky Grayson and his granddaughter: Natia Garrett.

Bill is survived by his sister, Mildred Cox (Emmett – deceased); his children: Margaret Rousey, Eugene Spellman, Tyrone Copeland (Delphine – deceased), Catherine Copeland and Michelle Madera (John); his grandchildren: Stephanie Vasquez (Rick), Jamilia Campbell, Sonja Rousey, Natasha Anderson (Bruce), Jonelle Copeland, Tireesha Copeland Williams (Rigney), Gerald Copeland (Brittney), Keishā Copeland, Joanna Copeland Apraky-Dentu (Terence) and Joseph Copeland, Jr., along with twenty-five (25) great-grandchildren and seven (7) great-great grandchildren. Last but not least, Bill is survived by his best friend, “Sherlock,” a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.