Harry Willis Copeland

MASTER SERGEANT HARRY WILLIS COPELAND (RET.), formerly of Edgewood, died April 14, 2007 at Madonna Heritage in Jarrettsville. He was 86.

He was a career soldier, serving in the Army for almost 30 years. His area of expertise included munitions, ordnance and military vehicles. In that regard, he served as a mechanic, inspector, instructor and supervisor at military bases around the world, including several tours of duty in Korea. Following his retirement, he became a civil service guard at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Edgewood Area.

Born in Walterboro, SC in 1920, he was the son of Mae Bryan and Harry Lee Copeland. Of his two brothers and two sisters, he was the last survivor. His earliest memories consisted of events caused by the Great Depression and the flu pandemic of that era. To serve his country, he enlisted in the Army at the onset of WWII.


Mr. Copeland spent more than 30 years as a resident of Edgewood. There, he was remembered for his enormous vegetable garden, and his love for animals, especially dogs. He was also a member of the Edgewood Area VFW. He was an active man until his stroke in 2000. He liked to putter around outside, walk, and was known as a very good dancer. He won many jitterbug contests in his day.

He was predeceased by his wife of over 50 years, Gertrude, whom he met while stationed in Vienna, Austria. He was also predeceased by a daughter, Viktoria.

Mr. Copeland is survived by a daughter, Vivian Copeland, of Bel Air; two sons-in-law, Keith Polasko, of Bel Air, and Joseph Ryckis, of Joppa; and a grandson, Kyle Copeland Polasko, of Bel Air.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Harford County, 2208 Connolly Road, Fallston, MD 21047.