Joe was born in Scotia, New York, on June 6, 1920 and passed away peacefully on May 22, 2012 in Newnan, Georgia. Joe was predeceased by his wife, Florene Bradley Lamunda. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Betty Jo Copelan and Jayne Hudson (Edward); grandchildren, Jeff Copelan (Gwen), David Copelan (Melinda), Jay Copelan (Angela), Michael Copelan, Keri Hudson Reykdal (Calvin) and Jenny Edwards (Darran); great grandchildren, Alye, Megan, Christopher, Rachel, Sara, and Joseph Copelan, and Brooke and Mathew Edwards.

Joe served his county in the US Army Air Corp as a B-25 and C-54 pilot in WW II and in the US Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller in the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel.

A fifty-five-year resident of Hapeville, Georgia, Joe was an Air Traffic Controller in the Atlanta area for 27 years. He was an active member of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church.

Along with being an avid Georgia Bull Dog fan, Joe spent many happy hours working in his woodworking shop and driving his boat at Jackson Lake, patiently teaching his children, grandchildren and friends how to water ski. These times at Jackson Lake are some of his grandchildren’s fondest memories with him.

His family wants to extend a heartfelt thanks to Wesley Woods of Newnan and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care over the last two years of his life. A public memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 29th at Wesley Woods of Newnan, with Rev. Susan Pinson officiating. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Wesley Woods of Newnan, 2280 Highway 29, Newnan, GA 30263. Donehoo-Lewis Funeral Home, Hapeville. 404-761-2171