Gleason Copeland, 83, of Jesup, Ga. passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.  The Wayne County native was a member, active Sunday school member, former deacon of New Hope Freewill Baptist Church for over 50 years. Gleason was also the caretaker of the New Hope Cemetery. The Jesup High School Graduate and "Country Gentleman" was recently honored with the naming of the "Gleason Copeland Upper County Altamaha River Landing". The 44 year ITT Rayonier retiree served on numerous governmental and civic committees including, Department of Family and Children Services, Wayne County Hospital Authority, Altamaha Federal Credit Union, two term Wayne County Commissioner and Wayne Memorial Hospital Building Committee. Gleason was a Shriner, a 32 ^nd Degree Mason and a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 112. His loving wife of 56 years, Margaret Westberry Copeland preceded him in death along with his parents, George and Ada Landon Copeland and a brother, Don Copeland and sister, Lavonia Arnold Deal.

Survivors are a daughter, Mary Ann (Kevin) Keith of Jesup; a son, Albert "Al" (Angie) Copeland of Jesup; other children "in love", Raymond (Kay) Arnold, Jan Davis and Darlene Keebler; a special friend, Jean Dufel; grandchildren, Chase (Addie) Gleason Copeland, Chelsea (Shawn) Boatright, Chelan (Brian) Yardman, Taylor (Kadie) Branch, Adley Branch, Emily (Vince) Jern; sisters, Jackie Lewis, Jarris (Mike) Priester and Melba Jean (Mickey) Deakins; great grandchildren, Emma Kate Branch, Jolie Jern, Bailey Ann Branch, Cohen Yardman, Cooper Keith Jern, Brix Copeland and Madi Boatright; a numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 2 PM Friday, February 17, 2023 at New Hope Freewill Baptist Church with Pastor Tim Horne and Rev. R.M. Warren officiating. Interment will follow in the New Hope Cemetery with Rev. Dennie Waters officiating. Active pallbearers will be Andy Miller, Vernie and Doug Lewis, David Deakins, Chris Arnold, Michael Westberry, Rodney Madray, David Herrin, Gary Mallard, Herman Lewis, Sr., James Harris, Ernie Bowen, Alvin, Royal, and Herbert Westberry, and Lawrence Goober. Honorary pallbearers will be New Hope Freewill Baptist Church Deacons, Phillips Hart, Roger Anderson, Brad Reddish, Steve Dixon, Jerry (Nancy) Jones, Elton Aspinwall, Sheriff John Carter, Keith Wright, Allen Boyd, Sr., Warren Beverly, Tony Blanton, Jerome Wilson, Robert Jones, Billy Miller, Joey Scarborough, Ralph and Craig O'Quinn, J.D. Davis, Houston Viterbo, Joe Naia, Henson Mosley, Gavin Jones, Billy Livesay, Burnice Geiger, Lowell Mallard, Edwin Warren, Tally Ogden, Lee Bishop, J.W. Oliver, Buddy Starling, Carey Martin, Peedy and Ben White, Dustin Goober, Wyman Ogden, Ernie Westberry and Winston Sharpe.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 PM Thursday, February 16, 2023 at Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the New Hope Cemetery Fund, 320 Bonham Road, Jesup, GA 31545.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.