Charles Leroy Copeland,'s Obituary
Charles Leroy Copeland Jr., 87, of Huntersville, NC entered his eternal resting place on Thursday, July 13, 2017. Charles was born on July 17, 1929 in Marion, SC to the late Sarah Agnes Johnson and Charles Leroy Copeland Sr. He was one of seven children that grew up in a loving and nurturing family. Charles had many jobs growing up as an African American in the south; working in tobacco fields, being a porter on a train, and delivering papers; to name a few. He attended Voorhees Post-Secondary School. At 18, he enlisted in the United States Army. Charles would ultimately complete 10 years of military service stationed in various countries that included Japan and England. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1963. Charles met and fell in love with his future wife, Maria Begoña Figuero, while serving in England. In spite of the adversity they would encounter due to the illegality of interracial marriages in the United States, they chose to accept the consequences and were married on July 29, 1957.
Charles became a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio upon his return to the States. He worked various management jobs which led him to own his own dry cleaner business. Later he decided to focus on another career as an optician, where he ultimately retired in Knoxville, Tennessee from Cole National Corporation. As the patriarch of his family, Charles inspired many people by his humble disposition. He was especially well known for his values of Family, Friends, Faith, and Fellowship. He always emphasized the Golden Rule. These attributes were his main ingredients for a successful relationship with his family & friends. Charles’ interest in antique cars, cooking, and family games kept him busy. His passion to help fellow AA members gave him joy and provided a means to encourage others to stay sober. His greatest role in life was to be the best husband, daddy, granddaddy, and great-granddaddy he could be. Charles was preceded in death by his sisters, Janie Rollins, Geraldine Davis, Elizabeth White, Dorothy Lewis; his brother, Sylvester Copeland and his son-in-law Reggie White. Charles leaves his loving wife, Maria Begoña, his brother Theodore, his children Le’Mar (Sandy), Maria (Wayne), Elizabeth, Sara, and Martin. Grandchildren Jamaal, Jeremy (Mika), Shari, (Willie), Jecolia, Wesley (Chelsea), Kiera, Morgan, & Loreal Great grandchildren, Jaylen, Jamari, Logan, and Everett.
Funeral services will be held on July 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. preceded by visitation of friends from 10 to 11 a.m. at James Funeral Home of Huntersville.
Online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
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