T. P. Dr. Copeland

Dr. T. P. Copeland, age 94, passed away Monday, June 22, 2015 at Christian Care Center, Johnson City, TN following a lengthy illness. A native of McGehee, Arkansas, he was the son of the late H. P. and Pearlie Copeland. He was a 1947 graduate Ouchita Baptist University and received his Master?s degree from George Peabody College in 1950 and the PhD degree from the University of Tennessee. He moved to Johnson City in 1950 to teach in the Department of Biological Sciences at East Tennessee State University and subsequently served as Chair. He retired in 1983 as Professor Emeritus after 33 years of service to the University. Dr. Copeland was a Fellow of the Tennessee Academy of Sciences and was also a Danforth Foundation Fellow. Other professional affiliations included the American Association for Advancement of Science; Biological Society of Washington; American Institute of Biological Sciences; American Society of Zoologists; Association of Southeastern Biologists; Tennessee Academy of Science; Society of Systematic Zoology; American Association of University Professors; American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education; Tennessee Education Association; National Association of Biology Teachers; National Science Teachers Association; Sigma Xi; Fellow, National Science Foundation; American Men of Science; Who?s Who in South and Southwest; Leaders in American Science; Dictionary of International Biography; Who?s Who in Arkansas; Community Leaders of America. At the time of his retirement from ETSU, Dr. Copeland was asked to donate his research to the Smithsonian Institute where it currently resides in permanent collection. Dr. Copeland was a WWII veteran having served in the U. S. Navy as a Pharmacist?s Mate and participated in four major invasions including Saipan, Leyte, Luzon, and Okinawa in the South Pacific. He subsequently served as an officer in the Naval Reserves prior to his honorable discharge in 1956. Dr. Copeland?s hobbies included woodworking, motorcycling, and flying his airplane. He was a member of the American Legion, Lifetime member of the Johnson City Masonic Lodge, ETSURA, Central Baptist Church, and William R. Rigell Sunday School Class. Dr. Copeland is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean Scott Copeland, daughter Dr. Rebecca Copeland, Johnson City, son Mr. Scott Copeland, League City, TX, and daughter-in-law Sherree Copeland, as well as several nieces and nephews. A celebration of life service is planned at 1:00 pm for Friday, June 26, 2015 at Central Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in the church atrium with services to follow at 1:00 pm in the sanctuary. Burial will then follow at Monte Vista Memorial Park. Honorary pallbearers will include President Paul Stanton, Mr. Roy Dellinger, Dr. Dorman Stout, Mr. Bobby Upchurch, Mr. Jimmy Starr, Mr. Dennis Powell, Ms. Rosemary Whitson, Ms. Marshia Adams, Ms. Jan Showalter, Ms. Deborah Tyree, Mr. James Allen Scott, Rev. Willard Warfield, William A. Coleman, Jr. Capt. USN, Ret., and the William R. Rigell Sunday School Class. Active Pallbearers include Mr. Gary Rosenbaum, Mr. Harold Licht, Dr. Buddy Stribling, Mr. Tim Fann, Mr. Tony Martin, Mr. Rich Mutton and Dr. Ken Olive.