We are so saddened that Rev. Dr. Frederick Lewis Copeland (Fred, Cope, Chick, Chickie) has departed this life to reside in his heavenly home where he was surely welcomed by all who predeceased him. Fred’s positive spirit, optimistic outlook, and dynamism will be missed.

Fred is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Shirley; four daughters: L. Jinney Copeland, Sharone A. Copeland, Vickie R. Morgan, Joyce A. Washington and two sons: Roderick B. Copeland and Jeffrey W. Copeland; siblings Minister Jeanette Carter and brother Dennis Rowe; aunt Loretta Davis; grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Nancy Thomas and in-laws: Cynthia Hall (Melvin), Richard Thomas (Gwendonetta), Mariela Thomas, Sandra Graham (Don) and Sherman Thomas (Yvette).

He was predeceased by his mother, Lucille C. Rowe; father, James Rawlings; siblings: Rev. Kenneth Copeland, Penny Thomas, Joanne Johnson, Rose Porter, Wanda Rowe, Brian Rowe, and Joe Rowe; grandmother Lillie Copeland; great-grandmother Laura Harris; aunts: Eva C. Hockette, Rosalie C. Fulton, Minnie C. Murray; uncles: Roosevelt Copeland, Warren J. Copeland, Alde Copeland, Leon Copeland and wives Chompoo and Valeria.

Fred was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on April 1, 1938 and died on September 13, 2024. He was named after his Aunt Freddy. His life was filled with momentous milestones and many challenges. His early life in Pittsburgh was difficult, mired in poverty and hunger and a nomadic lifestyle moving constantly back and forth in the Northside, Hill District, and Lawrenceville. He never forgot the kindness of his teacher, Ms. Brown, who took him to Goodwill Store to buy him a coat. But this hardscrabble life made him the person he was: dependable, persevering, never taking “no” for an answer, always striving to do better, frugal, negotiating hard bargains (he loved doing it) and his determination to keep achieving higher levels of excellence in his personal and professional life.

Fred loved reading from an early age and it never stopped as well as his ongoing pursuit of new educational challenges. He earned a Doctor of Education Administration from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Masters of Arts degrees from Central Michigan University and Ball State University, a Bachelor of Arts from Pembroke State University, and a Master of Divinity from Virginia Union University. His educational achievements and work ethic provided him with a distinguished civil service career that included stints at the Department of Defense, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Comptroller’s Office, and the Federal Executive Institute.

His military service started with the Pennsylvania National Guard and Ft. Jackson, S.C, Basic Training followed by time in Ft. Benning, GA; Ft. Bragg, Fayetteville, NC and others. He was stationed in Holland and Germany and served six years in Thailand and Laos where he was Army Airborne Special Forces. He enjoyed the parachute jumps and training soldiers as a Master Sargeant. During his military service, Fred received two Bronze Star Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, six Army Good Conduct Medals, a Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, a Master PRCHT Badge, and a Thailand PRCHT Badge and Fourragere.

Fred’s faith was strengthened over many years that started with his early participation in the Allegheny Conference of the A.M.E. Zion church that continued as he charted his course in Christian service. He attended Alleyne AME Zion in Alexandria for many years and ultimately was recognized as an elder in the Bluefield District of AME Zion. He was mentored and ordained by Rev. John Reid, Mt. Zion Baptist Church before pastoring Union Ridge Baptist Church. He loved listening to James Cleveland’s spirituals and Bishop George Patterson’s sermons. His brother, Bishop Simon Peter Rawlings of the House of God, Lexington, KY also influenced his religious upbringing. His favorite songs were Precious Lord, Going Up Yonder, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, Something Within, and Precious Lord.

Fred was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and looked forward to hiking trips with his friend John Raines to Mt. Washington in New Hampshire and motorcycling with John Raines and other friends. He spent many hours on Ancestry.com researching his family history and was so happy when he was able to trace it back so many generations. Fred also endured many days on the beach with his wife, Shirley, where he complained constantly of the heat and the bugs and flies.

Up until his move to Charlottesville, Fred was active with the MISR Temple 213 where he served as a potentate and the Prince Hall Free Masonry Blazing Star Lodge 26, the Netherlands, and as a Noble with the Aswan Temple 115.

Fred never tired of contributing his time and efforts to the following organizations: UVA Institutional Review Board, Piedmont Virginia Community College Board (Chair), Phi Delta Kappa, American Society for Military Comptrollers, among many others.

Fred was a fierce advocate for his children and strived to build an even stronger relationship with each of them. He was attuned to their differences and personalities and adapted his fatherly approaches accordingly. They all enjoyed his witty conversations and wise counsel, and have unique memories of their time spent with him.

We will treasure our memories, honor his legacy, and keep him in our hearts always. May he rest in peace.

For more on services and to share your condolences, visit JF Bell Funeral Home.