James M. "Buddy" Copeland

Dateline – Clinton, SC

James M. “Buddy” Copeland, age 87, of 1098 Renno Road, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2017.
He was born in Renno, and was the son of the late James M. Copeland, Sr. and Willie Mae Ferguson Copeland.
Mr. Copeland started his career at Pitts Tractor as a mechanic. For a short time he worked in textiles before becoming a co-owner of Copeland’s Hardware. He later was owner and operator of Buddy’s Hardware. For over thirty years he served as Magistrate for Laurens County, and served as City Judge for the City of Clinton. He also served as commissioner of the Rabon Creek Water Shed Commission. Mr. Copeland was a veteran having served twenty-one years in the SC National Guard. He was a lifelong and the oldest member of Duncan Creek Presbyterian Church, and was a member of Campbell Masonic Lodge No. 44.
Mr. Copeland is survived by his children, Jimmy Copeland, Joy (Bill) Tumblin, John M. (Donna) Copeland, David (Jackie) Copeland, Tim (Roxanne) Copeland, and Mary (Ernest) Gilliam; his sister, Sara Longshore; his brother, Richard Copeland; seventeen grandchildren; thirty-six great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Lee Deyton Copeland; his sisters, Joyce Copeland, Mae Alexander, and Lena Cox; and his granddaughter, Taylor Copeland.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 1st, at 2 PM, at Duncan Creek Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 PM at Gray Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Duncan Creek Presbyterian Church, c/o Lance Taylor, 109 E. Centennial St., Clinton, SC 29325.
The family will be at the home of Mary Gilliam located at 22846 Highway 72 E, Clinton, SC 29325.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.grayfuneralhome.com Gray Funeral Home of Clinton