Mr. William Ray "Bubba" Copeland Jr.

Mr. William Ray "Bubba" Copeland, Jr., 68, passed away on Monday, January 7, 2019, at Palmetto Richland Hospital in Columbia, SC. Mr. Copeland was born on November 21, 1950. He was the son of the late Ray Copeland and Gertrude Coates Copeland. Following his graduation from Bishopville High School, he graduated from the University of South Carolina. He served in the United States Navy for four years. Mr. Copeland served Bishopville and Lee County in several capacities. For many years he was the Lee County Fire Marshall, Fire Chief, and later served as the Lee County Building and Codes Inspector. Before retiring in 2011, he served two years in the Bishopville Magistrate's Office. He was a member of the Bishopville Masonic Lodge #104. He was a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church, serving in various capacities before his illness. Mr. Copeland's passion was classic cars, attending and entering in many car shows. He enjoyed golf, fishing, and spending time with multiple friends, always bringing laughter and entertainment to everyone. He never met a stranger and will be remembered for his friendly demeanor and genuine personality. He was an avid USC Gamecock fan and enjoyed attending games. Mr. Copeland is survived by his wife, Lolly Mikell Copeland of Bishopville, SC; brother, Jimmy (Jean) Barrow of Dallas, TX; sisters, Rose Marie (Larry) Cooke of Greenville, SC, Anne Pittard of Mount Pleasant, SC; stepson, Chip (Susan) Mikell of Estill, SC; stepdaughter, Kimberly (Michael) Mathis of Estill, SC; grandchildren, Ellee, Olivia, and Holly Mikell, Zack Mathis, Mikell Tucker, and Maura Mathis, all of Estill, SC. He had numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 o'clock on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 115 West Church Street, Bishopville, SC. The Rev. Suzanne Walker will officiate with burial to follow in Piedmont Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family at the visitation in the church Fellowship Hall, celebrating his life, following the burial. Hancock-Elmore Hill Funeral Home is serving the family. Memorials may be made to the Lee County Fire Department, 119 Deschamps St., Bishopville, SC 29010, or the Lee County Veterans Museum, 121 West Cedar Lane, Bishopville, SC 29010.

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Mr. William Ray "Bubba" Copeland Jr.

November 21, 1950 - January 7, 2019