C. Henry Copeland, 81, Florence, died peacefully early Monday morning at home among family. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 9, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at noon in the funeral home chapel, with Jonathan Copeland officiating. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, in Jasper, Alabama.
Mr. Copeland was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Irene Copeland, and a brother, Harry Copeland.
Survivors include his loving wife, Patsy Copeland; children, Jonathan Copeland (Ashley Long) and Mollie Copeland (Alex Wervey); brother, David Copeland (Helen); and sister, Ann Grantham (Terry).
Henry was born Sept. 26, 1941 in Walker County, Ala., to Charles and Irene Copeland. He became an Eagle Scout at age 13. In high school, he was as precocious in math as he was feared on the football field. After graduating Martin High School, Henry attended the University of Alabama, where he majored in mathematics, chemistry, and physics.
As a graduate student, Henry applied his brilliant mind to computer science, becoming the first instructor of the Computer Based Honors Program (now Randall Research Scholars). Over 50 years later, the program he helped start continues to train Alabama’s brightest students in research and technology.
In 1967, as a Fulbright Scholar, Henry worked with astrophysicists at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark using computers to study stars. Scientific contributions continued throughout his life. In his 30+ years as a research scientist for TVA, he became known for his innovative experimental designs and his knowledge in chemistry, physics, and computer programming.
During the 1960s, Henry began practicing martial arts: aikido, jyodo and judo. His skill grew over the decades and, by the 1990s, he was among aikido’s elite practitioners. He attained the rank of Aikido 9th Dan and Judo 8th Dan. For nearly forty years, Henry taught in Florence, mostly from the dojo he built in his family’s garage. Later in life, he was a highly respected teacher at the national level in aikido.
A lifelong follower of Christ, Henry attended Redeemer Church of the Shoals. Henry adored his wife, Patsy, and his two children, Mollie and Jon. He loved them as much as the human heart possibly can.
The family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Henry Copeland Endowed Scholarship at the University of Alabama. Visit give.ua.edu and search “Henry Copeland” under Choose Fund.
