SUFFOLK - Russell Bernard "Bonnie" Copeland, 58, of 1609 Carolina Road, Suffolk, passed away April 23, 2008 in Sentara Obici Hospital. He was born in Nansemond County and was preceded in death by his parents, Junious and Kate H. Copeland; two brothers, Stanley Copeland and Lindell Copeland; and a son-in-law, Stephen Myrick.

He was a graduate of Southwestern High School and was a veteran of the U. S. Army and a member of the Army National Guard. Mr. Copeland was employed by Amadas Engineering Company for over 30 years. He was a former member of Gethsemane Baptist Church and a member of the Mt. Ararat Missionary Lodge #1 and the Missionary Lodge #2.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Cathy Copeland; one daughter, Catina Myrick; a goddaughter, Devona Penrose; one sister, Prentis Fleetwood (Robert) of Suffolk; three brothers, Clifton Copeland (Sarah), Thaddeus Copeland (Lora), and Randolph Copeland (Miriam), all of Suffolk; one grandchild, Shanice Myrick; maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Hall; sister-in-law, Yvonne Copeland; father and mother-in-law, Clifton and Florine Skeeter; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Ararat Christian Church, 1860 Airport Road, Suffolk, officiated by Dr. H. H. Murrill. Interment will be in Carver Memorial Cemetery. The family will be at the home of Catina Myrick, 1615 Carolina Road. Crocker Funeral Home is handling arrangements.