Obituary of Ronald Gilmore Copeland

Ronald G. Copeland (Age 78)

Ronald G. Copeland of Reston VA passed peacefully at home on September 28, 2018 surrounded by family and friends after a heroic bout with pancreatic cancer.

The eldest son of the late Gilmore and Helen Copeland of the Bronx NY. Survived by his wife Emlyn J. Copeland; sons Gregory and Kenneth (Stacy); daughter Juliana Hicks (William); granddaughters Kayla Copeland, Kendall Hicks; grandsons Quinton Copeland, William Hicks III, Cameron and Julian Copeland, brothers Dennis Copeland (Joy), and Chauncey Copeland, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
 

Ronald was born August 14, 1940 and raised in New York City, received a Bachelors Degree in Pharmacy and his Juris Doctorate from St. John’s University.

He served as Regional Counsel and Deputy Director for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in New York, and Deputy Director of the Office of Review & Appeals; Deputy National Director of the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Health and Human Services. He had a tremendous National impact with the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

In retirement he served as Commissioner for the Fairfax County Civil Service Commission. In 2018 he was recognized as Lord Fairfax for his many years of service representing public interests of the citizens of Fairfax County.

Ronald imparted his love of fishing to his children and grands, played golf and tennis and was never far from his camera. He enjoyed the annual month-long stay in Cancun with the ‘Cancun Posse’. Ronald was always there to give advice and encouragement to family and his friends both near and far.  He was a great father, husband, uncle, brother, friend and mentor to many.  He lived full and fought the good fight until the end.

Viewing at 10:00 am, Service at 12:00 noon and Repast at 1:00 pm will be held on Monday October 8, 2018 at The Heritage Fellowship Church, 2501 Fox Mill Rd, Reston VA 20191. The following weekend, he will be interred in the Chavis Family Cemetery in South Hill/Bracey VA.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.