John Dewitt “J.D.” Copeland, 87, of 509 Folly Road, passed away on Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, in his home.

Mr. Copeland was born in Gates County on Sept. 3, 1930, and was the son of the late F. Carlton and Gladys Henry Copeland. A lifelong farmer, he was a faithful member of Eureka Baptist Church, where he had served as a deacon, was a member of the Adult Men’s Bible Class, had served as treasurer of both the building and cemetery committees, and through the years had served in other various functions of the church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy C. Parker, and by his brother, Bill Copeland.

Surviving are his loving wife of more than 65 years, Marilyn Brinkley Copeland; his daughter, Marsha Copeland Winslow and husband, Barry, of Sunbury; two grandsons, Brandon Copeland Winslow and wife, Whitney, of Oxford, and Shane Trenton Winslow, of Arlington; and two great-granddaughters, Anna Copeland Winslow and Evelyn Gray Winslow.

A funeral will be held Thursday at 3 p.m. in Eureka Baptist Church and will be conducted by the Revs. David Lawson and Cameron Currin. A private burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may join the family Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. in Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main St., Gatesville, and other times at the residence.

Memorial contributions may be made to the cemetery fund of Eureka Baptist Church, P.O. Box 68, Corapeake, NC 27926.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.