Paul Copeland

Paul David Copeland age 94 of Paris died Thursday, December 12, 2024, at his residence.

Paul moved to Paris in 1954 and opened Copeland’s Refrigeration. After many successful years in the refrigeration business, he opened Copeland Metals. A business which upon his retirement was purchased by his youngest son, David. He enjoyed collecting antiques and model T and A Fords. Paul was a Christian and member of Fairview Baptist Church, where he was a deacon and formerly drove the church bus. He was a charter member of the Optimist Club in Paris, and a US Air Force Korean War Veteran.

He was born May 22, 1930, in Jackson, MI, to the late John H. Copeland, and the late Eulalie Urton Copeland.

Paul first married Martha Jane Hayes Copeland in Alexandria, LA, on September 5, 1953, and she preceded in death September 2, 1998. Jane was buried on their 45th wedding anniversary. Paul later married his childhood neighbor from Jackson, MI, Sally Johnson Parsons Copeland, who also preceded him in death October 15, 2018, after nearly twenty years of marriage.

Paul is survived by his four children, Sue (Terry) Ward of Paris, Carol (Charles) Hawkins of Bells, TN, Mark (Pam) Copeland of Paris, and David (Tammy) Copeland of Paris; fifteen grandchildren and thirty-nine great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his two wives and parents, he was also preceded in death by five sisters, Florence Langdon, Frances Belcher, Doris Blackmon, Phyllis Shinabery, and Lois Anna Copeland; and two brothers, John Copeland, Jr, and Donald Copeland.

Ridgeway Funeral Home 201 Dunlap St./ P.O. Box 788, Paris, TN 38242, will be handling the arrangements. Visitation will be held on Saturday December 21, 2024, at Ridgeway Funeral Home at 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. with the funeral service at Ridgeway Funeral Home at 12:30 p.m. with Dr. Johnathan Smith officiating. 

Serving as pallbearers for the service will be Joshua Ward, Caleb Ward, Daniel Copeland, Brian Hawkins, Daryl Hawkins, and James Copeland.

Burial will be in the Memorial Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Fairview Baptist Church 114 Memorial Dr., Paris, TN 38242