Vandy J Copeland

On December 22, 2020, Vandy J. Copeland went to be with his Lord and Savior after a short illness.  Born in 1938 to Donovan and Mildred Copeland, Vandy grew up in Auburn, Alabama.  He graduated in 1956 from Auburn High School, went to Auburn University, and became an Auburn policeman.  He met and married Judy Pollard and they spent their entire married life on a farm in Auburn where they raised their three children. Vandy was happiest outside, working the land on his tractor, milking cows, gardening, building, and enjoying his barn. 

After he and Judy were first married, Vandy became a letter carrier for USPS for a short time, then worked for a local grass farm. He went back to the post office in the early 80’s and retired from letter carrying after the birth of his first grandchild. His last job was working for the City of Auburn driving a school bus part time, which he had actually done when he was a young man in the 1950’s.

Vandy was a longtime Mason and a faithful member of Parkway Baptist Church since 1986.  He served as deacon and was a member of the Catfish Sunday School Class and Cornerstone Ministry. He also particularly loved participating in the Carpenters for Christ Ministry at Lakeview Baptist Church.

Vandy was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Judy Pollard Copeland, his parents, Donovan and Mildred Copeland, his brother, Jimmy Copeland, and his only son, Donovan Clay Copeland.  Vandy is survived by two daughters, Melissa Copeland and Maury (Kevin) Rusk, two grandchildren, Haleigh Rusk and Hunter Rusk, an aunt, Dorothy Drake of Sydney, NY, and numerous cousins from Hardaway, AL, a brother in law, Bobby Harrold, and several nieces and nephews.

There will be a joint graveside service for Vandy and Judy, who passed away April 3 of this year, at Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery, 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, with Dr. Jeff Redmond officiating. Family and friends are welcome. Please help us in keeping social distancing practices in place for the safety of all who wish to attend.

Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directing.

Isaiah 40:31

But those who wait on the Lord      

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with

wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.

www.jeffcoattrant.com