Marland Joseph “Joe” Copeland left us far too soon Friday, May 12, 2023. A beloved father and husband, he will be dearly missed by all that loved him. Joe appreciated a good obituary, deeming them a little piece of history. We would like to think this one would have caught his eye.
Born in Waco June 4, 1961, Joe lived far and wide but no matter where life took him, Texas was always home. Graduating salutatorian of Mart High School, Joe went on to attend Baylor University where he graduated with both a B.B.A. and a J.D. A decade later, he received a merit scholarship to the University of Chicago Booth School of Business from which he received an M.B.A.
Joe accomplished much in his long and dedicated career from representing clients at the U.S. Supreme Court to serving as a Vice President at Goodyear Tire. His professional life culminated in his time spent as CEO and Board member of Playpower, Inc., a company specializing in commercial playgrounds, docks, and shade structures. Through this role, he was able to help children smile by making the world more fun. His work led him to live and work across the globe – from India to Australia – but two of his favorite places to be (besides Texas) were England and Germany. Yet even more than his illustrious career, he considered his role as a father his greatest accomplishment.
Joe was truly selfless, always thinking of others before himself. A true gentleman in every sense of the word, he believed deeply in treating others as you wish to be treated. He was never one to give up on a challenge, making it against the odds from a small Texas town to the world stage. A classic Land Rover Defender, a morning walk, and a good book were amongst Joe’s many loves. A voracious reader, he particularly enjoyed his newspapers, the Oxford English Dictionary, independent bookstores, and well-researched non-fiction; as a result, he could engage with anyone on just about any topic.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents; as well as his and Sara’s four corgis – Talley, Lilli, Roo, and Henry.
He is survived by his wife, Sara Ann (Brady) Copeland of Pinehurst, North Carolina; and his daughter, Caroline Hadley McCutcheon Copeland of London, England. Numerous other cousins and family will also miss him deeply.
A grave-side service will be held at the Bosqueville Cemetery in Waco on May 17, at 10am with a memorial service to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate a book to your local library in Joe’s memory to encourage more children to love reading and learning as he did.
The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Marland Joseph Copeland, please visit our flower store.