Dr. Thomas W. "Tommy" Copeland, Jr., was born August 28, 1929 and died on April 16, 2023. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 1:00pm – 2:00pm with funeral services at 2:00pm at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home, Clinton, MS. Burial will follow at the Clinton Cemetery next to his beloved wife, Ethel.

Thomas was born in Picayune, MS on August 28, 1929. He is a 1948 graduate of Gulfport High School. He holds an AA from Clarke College; B.A. and Master's degrees from Mississippi College; and Specialist and Doctorate degrees from Jackson State University.

Though his physical birth was years prior, he was born into the family of God on June 6, 1946, at 11pm in Gulfport, MS.

As much as possible, Tommy worked his way through college and was able to maintain a high academic average. He often had the lead in class plays and was always included in "Who's Who."

While at Mississippi College, he edited the college newspaper, the summer edition of the alumni publication, and worked on the annual staff. In his senior year, he was elected to Who's Who Among Colleges and Universities.

He had a taste of seminary life and work, led music, sang in the choir, and served as an assistant pastor. He was an active member and Sunday school teacher. He was a member and associate pastor at Brookleigh Baptist Church.

Tommy's professional life was spent in the Jackson Public School System for 35 years. He was an English and Social Studies teacher at Provine High School for eight years. Afterwards, he was an administrator at JPS Central Office for 27 years serving in various capacities. He was honored with the award of "wearing the most hats in the district."

After retirement, Tommy became the Director of the Mississippi College Assistant Teachers Program and taught graduate and undergraduate courses in education and political science, only taking a brief break to help with two of his grandchildren. He returned to teaching as an adjunct professor at both Hinds Community College and Mississippi College in political science.

Phi Delta Kappa bestowed on him the Kirby P. Walker Outstanding Educator Award.

He is survived by his grandchildren, Sean Copeland (Lindsay), Jason Copeland (Michelle), Caye Carraway (Wesley), Nathan Copeland (Nikki), Tommy Copeland (Katherine), and Brittney Copeland; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Tommy is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ethel; sons, Steve and Mike; and sister, Bernice.