William Don Copeland, Jr.

On September 23, 2025 while surrounded by his loved ones, William Don Copeland, Jr. met his Heavenly Father and was welcomed into the arms of all those waiting for him there. To some, he was a daddy, a grandfather or a great-grandfather. To others, he was a father in law, an uncle, a brother in law, or a brother. To many, he was a good friend. To our Mama, who no doubt gave him a long awaited hug as he entered heaven, he was a sweetheart.

He graduated from his hometown high school, Clinton High School. Soon after graduation, he married Sara Alice Templeton. Together they welcomed two daughters, Nancy Alice (Anderson) Mason, Mary Jean Copeland-Myers, and their only son, William Don Copeland, III. He loved his Heavenly Father, his wife, his family, his seven grandchildren, his great-grandchildren and his cat “Rico”.

He was an avid runner and cycler, both sports he enjoyed alongside his daughter, Nancy. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening, “fixing” anything broken and dabbling with anything technology related. Saturdays were for college football games and after church on Sundays it was for NASCAR.

After working for the Clinton Cotton Mill and the Southern Bell Telephone Company, he began a long career at the Torrington Plant. He retired from Torrington at the age of 55 and began his second career as a Black Angus cattle farmer.

His faith was a deep source of hope and comfort for him. As a member of Leesville Southern Methodist Church, he held several positions within the church over the years. He loved his church and his church family. He will be missed by all who loved him and we will honor him by following the strong example he set for us.

Services will be announced in the coming days.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Don with memorials to Leesville Southern Methodist Church, 1504 AB Jacks Road, Clinton, SC 29325 or Laurens Memorial Home, PO Box 638, Laurens, SC 29360.

Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.grayfuneralhome.com

Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is assisting the Copeland family with services.