CHESAPEAKE, VA – William Joseph “Billy” Copeland, Jr., age 83, passed away on November 8, 2017 at the Chesapeake Regional Medical Center in Chesapeake, VA.

A native of Hertford County, NC, Mr. Copeland was born on September 11, 1934 to William and Sallie Mizelle Copeland. Billy was a PFC in the United States Army from 1957-1958. He was in basic training at Fort Knox and Germany. Billy retired in April of 1997 after 32 faithful and competent years of service as a bus driver for Trailways Bus Lines. He was an avid sports fan. Billy enjoyed exercising, spending time with his family, and relaxing with his newspaper. Billy and his longtime friend of 34 years, Mary Alice Hardison, loved to travel. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Catherine Stoneman, Thelma Dilday, Grace Willis, Clarine Dilday, and Dorothy Alston, and his brother, Bobby Copeland.

Billy is survived by his longtime friend, Mary Alice Hardison of Chesapeake, VA., his daughter, Terri Lynn Copeland of Virginia Beach, VA; his son, William Timothy Copeland of Virginia Beach, VA; sister, Hattie Rae Wiggins of Ahoskie, NC; two grandsons, Aaron and Brandon Copeland, and granddaughter, Anita Copeland.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Garrett~Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC with a celebration of life service to follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Garrett~Sykes Funeral Service, with burial to follow at Ahoskie Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity of choice.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Copeland family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.