Richard Clarence Copeland

Richard Clarence Copeland, 71, of Maryville, passed away unexpectedly on March 30, 2022. Richard was born in Knoxville on December 22, 1950. He graduated from Young High School in 1969 in Knoxville, continued his education studying electronics and then enlisted in the United States Air Force. Richard served multiple worldwide deployments including Turkey, Iceland, Eglin AFB and Hurlburt AFB in Florida and retired from the service after 21 years as a highly decorated Master Sergeant. Richard returned to Maryville and found employment fulfilling one of his passions, photography, in the photo lab at Walmart. He worked there until he retired in 2021.

Richard enjoyed many hobbies, but the outdoors was his love. He could be found planning and buying equipment for his next fishing, hiking or camping trip to the Smokies or the family farm in Overton County which he and his brother loved and shared. Richard also volunteered to keep trails in the Smokies clear so others could enjoy its beauty.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, John and Zelma (Taylor) Copeland and brother, Steven Copeland. Survivors include his son, Michael Copeland (Beth) Murray, KY and their children Rebecca Copeland Foriest (Tony), Camden Copeland and Ashtyn Copeland, all from Murray, KY; grandchildren Evabelle and Sophie Foriest; Tammy Stroud, whom he loved and raised as his daughter and her children, C. J. Parton and Colton Stroud, Seymour; brother Mike Copeland (Betty) Knoxville; nieces and nephews, Courtney Copeland Black (Travis) children, Hadley and Piper Black, Little Rock, AR, Leighann Copeland Madden, children, Wiley, Wilson and John David Madden, Knoxville, Adam Lawson (Kass) Ennis, MT, Scott Lawson(Allison), Knoxville; and many loving cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 16 at 3:00 p.m. at Grandview Cemetery, 2304 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37804 with full military honors. McCammon-Ammons-Click, Maryville is handling arrangements.

Contributions in memory of Richard may be made to: Friends of the Smokies, PO Box 1660, Kodak, TN 37764.