Gary R. Copeland, entered into rest on Monday, Mar. 14, 2011 at Acuity Specialty Hospital in Bellaire, OH. Gary was 67 years old, born Apr. 16, 1943 in Pittsburgh, PA. He was the son of the late Robert E. and Betty J. (Pacifico) Copeland. Gary was retired from the Toni Zeakes Performing Arts Centre where he served as Business Manager. He designed and supervised construction of the Arts Centre always keeping in mind his family's love for the business and his love for the children who would dance there. He was lovingly called "Uncle Gary" and "Mr. Gary" for many years by the children who went there. Gary was a graduate of Shadyside High School where he was an outstanding athlete and a graduate of Ohio University, Athens, OH. He was also a member of the Shadyside Civics and the Martins Ferry Zoning Commission. He was a Roman Catholic and a veteran of the U.S. Army, Vietnam War. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter Kelly Heath and a grandson Zachary. Surviving are his loving wife of 32 years, Toni Zeakes Copeland, his sons Darby Copeland of Martins Ferry, and Sam Jones of Tiltonsville, OH, his daughters Soozie Zeakes Rucki of McMechen, WV, and Michelle Owens. He is also survived by a daughter-in-law Kelly Jones, and sons-in-law Joe Rucki and Mark Owens, a sister Carole Colclough of Dayton, OH, and a favorite Aunt, Kaye Smith of Shadyside, OH. Gary had three granddaughters who were his pride and joy...Liza and Taylor Jones, and Katie Copeland. He will also be missed by his best friend and faithful companion Sassy. A private Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be held at the convenience of the family at Mt. Calvary Cemetery Chapel, Wheeling, WV, with Rev. George Coyne officiating. Entombment will follow in Mt. Calvary Mausoleum. In keeping with Gary's giving nature, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to one of his favorite charities: Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center or St. Jude Children's Hospital. Arrangements by Heslop Funeral Home, Walnut at Fifth, Martins Ferry, OH. Condolences to the family may be made by signing the guest book at the top of this page.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Gary R. Copeland , please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.