Mr. Kenneth J. Copeland

Kenneth J. Copeland of Auburn, who chronicled the good times and bad of Alabama agriculture for more than three decades, died April 8 at the age of 82.  Kenneth was born June 15, 1936 in Boaz, Alabama and died April 8th at Arbor Springs Health and Rehab in Opelika, AL.

Funeral services for the retired Alabama Extension System editor will be held Thursday April 11 at 2:00 pm at Auburn United Methodist Founders Chapel. Visitation is scheduled for 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. followed by the funeral at 2:00.  Burial will be in Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Alabama FFA Foundation, P.O. Box 1100, Montgomery, AL 36191-0001 or the Food Bank of East Alabama (foodbankofeastalabama.com).

            Kenneth’s beloved wife, Peggy Wells Copeland, parents Raymond and Elsie Copeland and brother Calvin preceded him in death. Survivors include daughters, Kenna (Max) Runge of Auburn, Jenna (Warren) Hontz of Nashville, Tenn.; and Nancy (Kevin) Fiedor of Cantonment, Fla.; grandchildren Hayley Loughridge, Pensacola, Fla., Codi Plaster (Jim), Auburn,  Cale Runge (Kimmy), Pearl River, La. , Brandon Fiedor, Los Angeles, Ca., and Hannah Fiedor, Pensacola, Fl. And 5 great grandchildren.

            Mr. Copeland, a 1954 graduate of Boaz High School, received a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Auburn University (then API) on June 4, 1957, and the next day he and his new bride of three days, the former Peggy Wells, headed to Washington County to begin work as an assistant county agent.

He later worked as assistant agent in Choctaw and Conecuh counties before moving to Auburn in 1960 as news editor in Extension’s communications office. In the meantime, he had earned a master’s degree in agriculture from Auburn. Mr. Copeland’s byline appeared nationally in magazines such as Farm Journal, Progressive Farmer, Delta Farm Press, Alabama Farmer and in other ag-related media. He had a reputation for clear, concise writing that farmers could put to practical use.  He retired from Extension in 1993, ending a 33-year-career.

He was a faithful member of Grace United Methodist Church and later at Auburn United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the McGehee-Lacy of the Sunday School class and the Tuesday morning men’s Bible study.  Prior to his declining health, “Grandoc” as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, enjoyed visiting his children and grandchildren, working in the yard and always cheering for the Auburn Tigers.

             Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

www.jeffcoattrant.com