William Dean Copeland

Message from Tim Barter, Sr.

I'm sorry we lost touch, my friend. I'll remember the rides in your TR-7 playing Aerosmith as loud as your custom speakers would play. I'll remember the fun we had working at Busch Gardens (those knickerers though!). I'll remember acting like I wasn't scared out of my wits watching the uncensored Exorcist in your living room. The movies, the planetarium, the talks, they add up to a life well lived in my younger days. Those days live on in my memories and you will live in them as long as I draw breath. Save me a seat at that ultimate concert.

A candle was lit by High school chum Tim Barter, Sr. on December 6, 2021 1:15 AM

A candle was lit by Cousin Cathy on November 20, 2017 7:35 PM

A candle was lit by Cousin, Cathy on November 20, 2017 7:06 PM

A candle was lit by Dolly Diaz on November 19, 2017 8:48 PM

Message from Gary McClelland

Bill was a great friend and colleague. I will miss his sense of humor and zest for life. He was full of fun and got us through many ups and downs, both at work and in life. The last time I spoke to Bill he was on his way to view the eclipse, as I knew he would be. I will miss his kindness as well as his tips on Vegas. My sympathies to his son and family. Rest in peace old friend, gone far too soon.

Message from L.kemling

Please do not post my previous condolance...i was not finished with it and canceled it but it said it was submitted. Please delete and i will create a diff one . thank you lk

Message from Gary McClelland

Bill was a great friend and colleague at U of M, we had the chance to talk outside of work as well, the last time we spoke he was on his way to view the eclipse. I will miss his humor and outlook on life, as well as his Vegas tips. My sympathies to his son and family. Rest in peace old friend, gone too soon.

A candle was lit by Neal and Linda Kemling on November 18, 2017 2:51 PM

A candle was lit by Garrett Howell on November 18, 2017 2:19 PM

A candle was lit by Brian and Mary Albee on November 17, 2017 8:11 PM

A candle was lit by Jerison Ross on November 17, 2017 6:13 PM

Message from John Bell

Bill was a cool co-worker and friend. We worked and talked through many 2nd shifts schedules at UMHS over the last 7 years. He introduced me to TWD tv series and I am hooked.
He will be missed. I express sincere condolences to his family.

A candle was lit by John Bell on November 17, 2017 4:13 PM

A candle was lit by Janice Powers on November 17, 2017 12:51 PM

Message from Cyndy Roy

I miss the nights I worked with Bill. He was fun to work with and was a lighthearted manager. He was always helpful and happy. He passed on the anniversary of my father's passing. (Veteran's Day) Every year from now on, I will remember him. I'm stunned and saddened.

A candle was lit by Cyndy Roy on November 16, 2017 11:49 PM

Message from Joe Devine

Bill & I were squad leader buddies, meeting in Cleveland at the ASLOK convention every October. We used to game in Hampton Virginia where I was introduced to Bill by Jeff Thompson. Bill & I had some very interesting talks about life. Sure am going to miss my friend. Will always remember the time you said love you Joe! Gone but not forgotten.

A candle was lit by Faye Boninu on November 16, 2017 4:11 PM

A candle was lit by Sandy Walker-Birdsall on November 16, 2017 2:42 PM

A candle was lit by Linda George on November 16, 2017 2:05 PM

A candle was lit by Michael McKenzie on November 16, 2017 11:12 AM

Message from Sandra F. Humphreys

I worked w/ Bill @ NASA Langley.. it's hard to believe he's gone. RIP Bill.
Sandi

A candle was lit by Howard Williams - Rest in Peace on November 16, 2017 10:33 AM

Message from Jim Harris

Bill was a great co-worker and friend. His humor always kept things light. I've enjoyed conversations with him, eating sushi for lunch, and general day to day work. R.I.P. my friend.
My prayers and condolences to his family.

Message from Jeff Jones

Bill and I meet some 38 years ago when he start his career at NASA he always had a good sense of humor, we have reminded friend over the year through some good times and bad he was there for me going to miss you "Buddy"

A candle was lit by Jeff Jones on November 16, 2017 9:37 AM

Expression of Sympathy

A TRADITIONAL FUNERAL BASKET was ordered on November 16, 2017

A candle was lit by Tracy Linville on November 16, 2017 9:07 AM

---

Bill was a great friend and co-worker that I have known for over 20 years. I will miss him dearly. My deepest sympathy to his family.

A candle was lit by Tina Carlson on November 15, 2017 7:28 PM

---

I have known Bill for over 20 years. We've been through a lot of changes together at work. His unique sense of humor helped lighten many moments. We talked about people we've seen come and go over the years. We celebrated, and complained together. I know he will be missed by many here.

A candle was lit by Joan Kalo on November 15, 2017 6:54 PM

A candle was lit by Robert O'Farrell on November 15, 2017 6:49 PM

Message from Robert O'Farrell

I met Bill at a 7-11 on Warwick Blvd, in Newport News Va. in 1982. We had both stopped there to play the game "Defender". We became instant friends. I worked with Bill at the Nasa Langley Research Center. We were friends (stealing each others books) for a couple of years, then I moved to Hawaii and I had phone conversations, but never saw Bill again. I learned of his passing a few days ago from a mutual friend, and though I hadn't seen Bill for over 35 years, the news staggered me. My deepest sympathy for his family. Goodbye Bill my friend, I thought of you everytime I saw the Detroit Lions on t.v.

Message from Howard Williams

Bill was a great co-worker, Manager and Friend to me. You will be missed, may the LORD be with your family and loved ones during this difficult time. Bill is now with the LORD where there is no more pain and suffering.

A candle was lit by Joe & Roxanne Devine on November 15, 2017 4:44 PM

Message from Brent Baker

Mr. Copeland will be missed by many. Bill and I shared many laughs at work. He had a great sense of humor and a intellectual spark toward science and philosophy. The deep conversations and insight from Bill about theology, astronomy and the-like will be missed. I know he landed somewhere in the stars in-which he loved so much. My deepest condolences to his family and children.

Brent Baker

A candle was lit by Melissa Hayes on November 15, 2017 4:16 PM

---

Bill was a big fan of Neil deGrasse Tyson. He was a bright bit of stardust, and will be missed. - Melissa Hayes
“The atoms of our bodies are traceable to stars that manufactured them in their cores and exploded these enriched ingredients across our galaxy, billions of years ago. For this reason, we are biologically connected to every other living thing in the world. We are chemically connected to all molecules on Earth. And we are atomically connected to all atoms in the universe. We are not figuratively, but literally stardust.”
― Neil deGrasse Tyson

A candle was lit by The Herrmann Funeral Home Staff on November 15, 2017 1:58 PM