Walter Thomas "Tom" Copeland Jr.

Walter Thomas Copeland, Jr. December 27, 1952 – September 6, 2026 Walter Thomas “Tom” Copeland, Jr., of Greenville, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. In his final moments, Tom was surrounded by his beloved wife and children, held in the love of his family and covered in prayer. Tom was born on December 27, 1952, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Walter Thomas Copeland, Sr. and Daisy Elizabeth Copeland. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his beloved uncle, Bernie Copeland, whom he loved deeply. Tom was the youngest of three siblings. He is survived by his wife, Debra Latimer Copeland of Greenville, Florida, who was the love of his life and his devoted companion throughout their 35 years together. He is also survived by his children: Casey Elizabeth Bradford (Dave) of Tampa, Florida; Taryn Lynn Copeland (Austin Kellam) of Naples, Florida; Walter Thomas “Tres” Copeland, III (Kate) of St. Petersburg, Florida; and Taylor Ann Warren (Tim) of Riverview, Florida. Tom’s greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren: Ranelagh and Rowan Bradford; Luca Califano and Paisley Kellam; Walter Thomas “Tommy” Copeland, IV, Truman and Teddy Copeland; and Brodie Thomas Warren and Mia Warren. He was also blessed with three bonus grandchildren, Sterling, Kingston and Chandler Kellam. Tom shared a special bond with his two nephews, Justin Dow and Tony Washington (Melissa), as well as his great-niece and great-nephew, Daisy and Copeland Dow. Tom was a man of deep faith and many passions. Above all, he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, his wife Debbie, his children and grandchildren. He also found great joy in hunting, deep-sea fishing, and snow skiing. Those who knew Tom will remember his love of the outdoors, his adventurous spirit, and most of all, his devotion to the people he loved. After moving his family from Neptune Beach, Florida, to Madison County in 1999, Tom and Debbie brought the AWANA program—a Bible-based children’s ministry—to the churches with which they became affiliated. Tom believed deeply in investing in children and helping them know the love of Jesus Christ. Tom was a member of Central Baptist Church in Monticello, Florida, where he dearly loved his church family. His faith was not simply something he professed; it was something he lived through his service, his generosity, and his love for others. Tom practiced law throughout his career, first in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and later in Madison, Florida. During the latter part of his career, he found a special calling in serving as a Guardian ad Litem attorney, where he became a strong voice and advocate for children who needed someone to stand up for them. Tom leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, service, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his family takes comfort in knowing that he is now at peace in the presence of his Lord and Savior, whom he loved so dearly. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at First Baptist Church, located at: 134 SW Meeting Ave. Madison, Florida 32340, Visitation: 1:00 p.m. Service: 2:00 p.m. In keeping with Tom’s personality and the things he loved, the family requests that those attending the service come dressed in camouflage, a favorite fishing shirt, or an AWANA uniform. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the AWANA program at your local church, or to Tom’s church: Central Baptist Church Attn: AWANA Director 625 Tindell Road Monticello, Florida 32344 The family is grateful for the prayers, love, and support shown to Tom and to them throughout his long journey with Alzheimer’s. They ask that his memory be honored by loving God, loving family, serving others, and investing in the lives of children—the things that mattered most to Tom. Condolences and memories may be shared at Beggsfuneral.com, (850)973-2258

Walter Thomas "Tom" Copeland Jr.

December 27, 1952 - September 6, 2026