Dr. Gary Benjamin Copeland

Dr. Gary Benjamin Copeland of Fayetteville moved to his rocking chair on the front porch of heaven on June 20, 2014.  He always believed in leaving things better than he found them, and he certainly did that as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and physician. After a brief respite in heaven, Gary will most certainly get to work with whatever might be the celestial equivalents of garden hoses, carpentry tools, vacuum cleaners, and paper towels - driving around in an old pickup truck.  

Gary Copeland was born in Beaufort, NC on the family kitchen table July 3rd, 1934 as the first child of Julia Graham and Benjamin Franklin Copeland.  His journey as a life-long learner and naturally gentle leader was evident early when he graduated as class president from Beaufort High School in 1952.  He went on to be part of the last graduating class from the old campus of Wake Forest University before moving with the school to Winston-Salem to continue his studies at Bowman Gray School of Medicine (now Wake Forest University School of Medicine), graduating in 1960.  Commissioned in the Army, Gary completed an internship at Martin Army Hospital, Fort Benning, Georgia, and Sandia Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico.  While in New Mexico, he was chief of the Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat division.  From 1961 to 1963, Gary completed a residency program in ophthalmology at UNC Chapel Hill and McPherson Hospital in Durham, NC.  Gary moved to Fayetteville in 1966 and began work at the Valley Eye Clinic, becoming in turn a partner and eventually sole proprietor.  He thrived there for 34 years before selling the practice to and then working 10 more years for Cape Fear Eye Associates.  Gary also served as chief of surgery at Cape Fear Valley Hospital, Cumberland County Medical Examiner, president of the Cumberland County Medical Society, and president of the Wake Forest University Medical Alumni Association.  If the eyes are windows to the soul, then Gary had the opportunity to see, know, and subsequently change many souls.  He was not a passive observer, but always saw and sought the best in everyone he knew.  

Gary was married to Sybil Carol Hinkle, who died in 1966 leaving him with two small children, Carol and Brent.  From that time, until her recent death, Dorothy Fort McEachern – along with her many children and grandchildren - became an inseparable and beloved part of the family.  In 1967 Gary met and married Joanne Bullard, with daughter Lynn; and their fourth child, Chris, was born 15 months later.  For 46 years, Gary and Joanne have enjoyed watching and helping their children grow, vacationing in their second home in Beaufort, and adventuring on their many travels together, whether by boat, plane, car, or RV.  Gary and Joanne complimented and completed each another perfectly and have enjoyed a truly blessed life together, laboring ceaselessly on so many projects and developing many treasured and enduring friendships.  They learned much along the way, most importantly how to love and be loved.  

Gary never met a stranger, and after only a short conversation, he would find some way to connect with everyone as a valued member of the larger human family.  His children will always remember his generosity and kindness to all and will do their best to emulate that spirit.  

As an active member of Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, Gary was a deacon, taught Sunday School, served on numerous committees, and loved working with the Carpentry Ministry and Operation Inasmuch.  He and Joanne loved their mission trips to India, Cuba, Africa, Antigua, Honduras, Ukraine, Moldova, and West Virginia.  They developed a special love for Armenia and its wonderful people.  

Gary is survived by his wife, Joanne; daughter Carol and husband Steve Bost of Apex; son Brent and wife Maike Copeland of Winston-Salem; daughter Lynn and husband Greg Bossi of Cary; and son Chris Copeland and husband Bernie Newton of Durham.  There are five grandchildren: Liz Bost White, Morgan Bost Denning, Connor and Elliot Copeland, and Alyssa Bossi.  Gary is also survived by his brother Alex and wife Eleanor Copeland of Beaufort; sister Anita and husband Raymond Earp of Beaufort; and many beloved nieces and nephews.  

Visitation with the family will take place on Sunday, June 22, 5:00-8:00pm, at Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Home at 610 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC. The memorial service will be held on Monday, June 23 at 11:00am at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, 701 Westmont Drive, Fayetteville, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Snyder Memorial Baptist Church for missions, 701 Westmont Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28305 or Operation Inasmuch, 531 Hillsboro Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301-4634.  The family wishes to thank all of the precious friends who have supported us so well over the last months.  

Services are entrusted to Sullivan's Highland Funeral Service & Crematory, Inc.