William "Willie" Copelan Jr.

William M. "Willie" Copelan, Jr, 81, of Mt. Airy, formerly of Abbeville, SC, passed away Friday, August 12, 2011 at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Born in Madison, GA on November 30, 1929, he was a son of the late William Marion, Sr and Estelle Welborn Copelan. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Racheal Powell Copelan. Mr. Copelan was a retired Operation Plant Manager for Milliken with 45 years of service. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, and spending time with his family. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of the Level Grove Baptist Church. Mr. Copelan was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. Survivors include his wife, Callie Westmoreland Copelan of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Kelly Copelan of Starr, SC.; Daughters and sons in-laws, Demarice and John Hanes of Cornelia, GA, Cathy and Wendell Vonier of Mt Airy, GA; step daughters and sons-in-laws, Cathey and James Camacho of Sandy Springs, GA, Lisa and Butch Cowart of Fort Mill SC, Kim and Darrell Oliver of Clemson, SC; brothers, James Copelan of Donalds, SC, Ronnie Copelan of Simpsonville, SC, Ray Copelan of Abbeville, SC, Charles Copelan of Easley, SC; 12 grandchildren, Wesley and Marcus Vonier, Joshua Hanes, Jared, Anna and Joseph Copelan, Carrie and Clayton Cowart, Seth, Alex and Sam Oliver, Jonathan Camacho ; 03 great-grandchildren, Nico, Mateo Vonier and Jackson Vonier; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services are 11:00 am Monday, August 15, 2011 at the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin and Stewart with Rev. Bill Evans officiating. Interment will follow at 4pm Monday at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Abbeville, SC, with Rev. Dr. Kirt Mitchell officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2–5 p.m. on Sunday. An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.