Charles Douglas Copeland

Charles Douglas Copeland, 62, of Granbury, Texas went to be with the Lord on December 17, 2022 after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.

“Chuck” is survived by his wife Dalana Copeland of 42 years, son Richard (Jamie) Copeland, daughter Kathryn (Alex) Knapp, 4 grandchildren, Emma Copeland, William Knapp, Matthew Knapp, Grace Copeland, and brother Robert Copeland Jr.

Chuck was born January 5, 1960 in Little Rock, AR to Robert and Jerilu Copeland. He developed an interest in aviation from a young age and began flying sailplanes at the age of 14. During his teenage years, Chuck became an exceptional RC glider pilot and competed both regionally and nationally, winning many competitions.

In 1979, at the age of 19, Chuck married Dalana in North Little Rock, AR. Together, they created a lifetime of wonderful memories building a family and travelling to different states while he worked as a contract Aeronautical Engineer. Working as an Aeronautical Engineer and flying airplanes was a characteristic that defined Chuck his entire life. Over the years, he worked at many aerospace companies and on many programs, both classified and non-classified. He worked at Falcon Jet, BAE, Gulfstream, General Dynamics, Vought and enjoyed a long career at Lockheed Martin. Currently, he was employed as an Aeronautical Engineer Sr. Staff at Lockheed Martin on the F-35 Program.

By the time he turned 21, Chuck obtained his Private Pilot’s license and bought his first airplane – a Cessna 150 that he converted to a taildragger. He went on to own a Grumman Yankee, Beechcraft Bonanza, J-5 Piper Cub, Beechcraft Debonair and a Bellanca 7GCBC Citabria. He obtained his instrument rating in the 1980’s so he could travel with Dalana and their dogs and not be limited by weather. A favorite destination of theirs was Gaston’s White River Resort. Chuck enjoyed fishing and was an avid fisherman his entire life. During his lifetime he made many memories with family and friends on the water and in the air.

Chuck was a loving husband and father. At 31, Chuck and Dalana welcomed a son, Richard and at 33, a daughter, Kathryn. He made sure they experienced firsthand the things he enjoyed so much. Some of his favorite things to do with his children included flying airplanes, fishing, camping, hunting birds and shooting skeet. Chuck restored a J-5 Piper Cub with Richard and helped him learn to fly in that aircraft. He taught his children leading by example and gave them every opportunity to pursue their dreams and aspirations. Chuck was a hardworking, kind man that gave everyone the benefit of the doubt and cared deeply for his family and friends. We are forever grateful for his love and dedication to our family.

Service will be held at 2pm, Friday, December 23, 2022 at Pecan Baptist Church 7178 Fall Creek Hwy, Granbury, Texas 76049. Visitation at 1pm, prior to service. Committal service at Acton Cemetery