Obituary of Joe Edward Copeland, Jr.

Joe Edward Copeland Jr., age 64, died Thursday, March 22, 2018 peacefully at Willis-Knighton Pierremont Health Center in Shreveport, Louisiana from recent diagnosis of stomach/esophageal cancer.

Joe was born in Tacoma, Washington March 14, 1954 where his father was stationed during his military service in the Army. Most of his life Joe lived in Northwest Louisiana around Shreveport and Coushatta. He graduated from Fair Park High School in 1973. Joe had a passionate love of the outdoors and recently moved to Avinger, Texas to be near Lake of the Pines.

Joe was one of five children born to Barbara Crouch Copeland Byrd and the late Joe E. Copeland Sr. Many residents of Stonewall, LA will remember him working for his father “Papa Joe” at Joe’s General Store. He was lovingly called “Eddie” by his siblings, Michael “Mike” Copeland and wife Eileen of Shreveport, LA; David “Tandy” Copeland and wife Donna of Keatchie, LA; Arthur Copeland of Houston, Texas; and Amy Copeland Simmons of Shreveport, LA.

In his youth Joe was an avid outdoorsman spending most of his time in the woods hunting or on the lake fishing. He worked as a carpenter and loved the feel of wood in his hand as he carved figures of the birds and animals he so loved. Joe was a big man standing 6’4” and rarely seen without his signature carpenter overalls.  He had a hunger for life and was a pretty darn good cook by most standards. Many have sat at his table enjoying deer sausage, fried catfish or boiled crawfish. He was jolly and outgoing surrounding himself by many family and friends that will miss him dearly.

He is survived by his daughter, Christina Marie Copeland and husband Adam Hofslund of Frierson, LA; son, Trey Steven Copeland and wife Kali of Doyline, LA; granddaughter Ankara “Kari” Powell and husband Chris; grandson William Copeland; and great-grandchildren Emma and Marie. He is preceded in death by infant daughter Tamara Ann Copeland.

Joe’s wishes will be honored and his ashes will be scattered on the lakes that he loved and where he spent most of his time. Memorial service is yet to be determined.