William A. Copeland, Jr.. (Buddy), 83 years old, passed away February 27, 2025, in Virginia Beach.  Buddy was born to William A. Copeland and Edith Corprew Copeland.  

A graduate of Churchland High School and Frederick College, he also attended a number of prestigious banking schools:  School of Bank Marketing at Northwestern University, Virginia Banking School at University of Virginia, Commercial Lending School at University of Oklahoma, and Advanced Commercial Lending at University of Virginia.  

Buddy dedicated over 40 years to the banking industry.  He loved working alongside the bank staff, meeting customers and helping  them achieve their financial goals.  He helped Bob Aston and others start TowneBank and was very proud to have served as the President of the Chesapeake region.  

Buddy loved his family and friends, hunting, and traveling.  Among his favorite hunting expeditions were trips to Idaho for elk  and South Dakota for pheasant, and of course to the family farm in South Carolina for deer.  He and his wife travelled often .  Among his favorite trips were Europe, Africa, and the western United States.  He made many wonderful lifelong friends hunting and traveling.  

Over the years Buddy was very active in the community, serving on many boards and volunteering time for activities and fund raising. 

Left to cherish Buddy’s memory are his wife, Merle Kay Copeland, his sons, Bryan Copeland (his wife Valentina and their daughter Victoria) and Barry Bliss; his sister, Florence Wynne; as well as aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Lesner Inn on Shore Drive between 4 and 6 pm on Thursday, March 27, 2025, for light fare and fellowship in celebration of Buddy’s life.  

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the charity of your choice.