WINDSOR – James Lee Copeland wasn’t far from home while walking down Grabtown Road near here Tuesday evening. Unfortunately, he never made it back home.

Copeland, a carpenter by trade, lost his life when struck by a passing motorist. He was 49-years-old.

The accident occurred on SR 1100 (Grabtown Rd.) approximately 2.2 miles west of Windsor. There, a 2004 Chevrolet pick up truck, driven by George Bond of Windsor, was traveling north at around 6:12 p.m.

“Mr. Copeland was a pedestrian, walking in the northbound lane, meaning he was struck from behind by the truck,” explained First Sgt. Mike Warren of the North Carolina Highway Patrol’s Troop A/District II office in Ahoskie.

“It was a cloudy and wet evening, right before the winter weather hit, and Mr. Copeland was wearing dark clothing,” Warren added. “It was a case where Mr. Bond failed to see the pedestrian walking along the edge of the road.”

Warren reminded the public that when walking along a two-lane road, it’s safer to walk facing traffic (on the opposite shoulder of your direction of travel). Also, if walking at night, wear brighter colored clothing, or better yet, carry something reflective or carry a flashlight.

NCSHP Trooper A.S. Genao investigated the accident. No charges were filed.

Tuesday’s death brought the total to four motor vehicle fatalities in the Troop A/District II area (Bertie, Gates and Hertford counties) since Jan. 1. All four deaths have occurred in Bertie County.

Copeland is survived by his father, James O. Copeland, Jr. of Windsor; a sister, Elizabeth “Liz” Moulder of Colerain; and a niece, Haley Williams of Colerain.

Funeral services were held on Saturday at the Windsor Assembly of God by the Rev. Chuck Grey. Burial followed in EdgewoodCemetery in Windsor.

Memorial gifts in his honor may be made to Windsor Assembly of God, 1505 S. King Street, Windsor NC  27983.