Upon graduation from Starkville High School in 1950, John attended Mississippi State University receiving a BS degree in General Science in 1954. While at MSU, he was a member of the Famous Maroon Band and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He later received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of MS in 1958.
After graduation, he completed an internship at John Gaston Hospital in Memphis, TN. He returned home to Starkville, MS in 1959 to practice medicine with Dr. “Feddy” Eckford and later at his own clinic until 2009.
John served with the Mississippi Army National Guard, was a faithful member of Starkville First United Methodist Church, and a dedicated member of Gideons International for many years.
Dr. Copeland is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret Sudduth Copeland; son, John Thomas Copeland, III (Carrie) of Starkville and his grandchildren, Kennedy Sahr Pugh, Jackson Neil Copeland, and John Joseph Copeland. Dr. John was affectionately known as “Doc-Doc” to his numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Joan Puryear (James) of Greenville, SC, and their children John James (Mollie) of Greenville, SC, Jeffery of Athens, GA, and Joel (Allison) of Asheville, NC.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John T. Copeland, Sr., and Mary “Mamie” Cunningham Copeland; and his brother, David Thornberry Copeland.
Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at First United Methodist Church in Starkville, with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the compassionate caregivers of the memory care unit of Louisville Health Care, LLC.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial gifts to First United Methodist Church, Starkville, MS 39759, Gideons International: 1-866-382-4253 / www.gideons.org/donate, or Oktibbeha County Humane Society, Starkville, MS.
