Willie Copeland, Sr.

Mr. Willie Copeland, Sr., our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, was born March 12, 1942 in Manchester, Georgia, the son of Ray and Ola Mae (Hunt) Copeland. He was called from labor to reward on Wednesday, January 27, 2021.

Willie confessed Christ at an early age, while being raised in a religious household; both his parents were active in the COGIC ministry. Willie graduated from Manchester High School, and after graduation he moved to Saginaw, Michigan. He attended General Motors Institution and earned an apprenticeship, becoming a journeyman pipe-fitter. Willie later became one of the first black skilled trade supervisors at Nodular Iron. He furthered his education at Delta College, studying Industrial Management. He was also a Freemason.

After many years of service with General Motors, Willie retired from the Malleable Iron Plant. It was during retirement, that he took on an entrepreneurial spirit. He was the owner and operator of East Side Video, the Lime Lite Social Club, Gentle Care Car Wash, Gentle Car Cellular and Kayla’s Country Kitchen. He was invested in other small business ventures: Xango Juice, UHaul, and Herbalife Vitamins. Willie also received his realtor’s license through McArn Realty, another way he invested in his own community.

Willie has left a legacy of entrepreneurship, ownership and service to your community. He took chances in business and was not afraid to break barriers, opening the doors for the next generation. He truly left his mark on the Saginaw community and his accomplishments will not be forgotten.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Gina Ford-Copeland; children, Sherry Copeland, Charles Culpepper, Tywonda Copeland (Willis Youngblood), Willie Jr., Kimberly, Tearle (Stephanie), Jennifer, Rayford and MaKayla Copeland (Jaymes Degrate); stepchildren, Shawn Gills, Lamar Kimble Jr. and Brandon Ford; grandchildren, Charlotte, Sheri, Leonard, Latoya, Rayshon, Shada, Nicole, Walter, Jamiesha, Tyeshia, Edward and Camille; many great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Ola Mae Copeland; granddaughter, Sharlea King; sister, Virginia Billings; father and mother-in-law, William and Dorothy Ford; brothers-in-law, Michael Ford, Charles Garrett; sisters-in-law, Vaughnita Garrett and Thelma Ford.

The family would like to express special thanks to son Tearle Copeland, Collin Johnson, Kith Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Davita Dialysis, Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.

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