Copeland was born in
Columbus, Georgia, but lived in Smiths Station for most of his life. He attended
Smiths Station High School and received a hotel and restaurant management degree from
Auburn University. Copeland was married to Angela Simpson Copeland, a teacher and cheer coach at Smiths Station Junior High School. He had one biological child, a son from his first marriage, as well as two stepdaughters from his second marriage.
Outing and death On November 1, 2023, journalist Craig Monger of conservative news website
1819 News reported on social media posts by Copeland in which he wore women's clothing and described himself as a "
transgender curvy girl" using the name "Brittini Blaire Summerlin". The contents of Copeland's posts allegedly included explicit photos of himself, as well as graphic
memes and
transgender pornography. Copeland requested that the article not be published, citing his family and his position as a pastor. Leaders in some of the state's
Baptist associations responded to the article with a statement that they had "serious concern" about Copeland's "alleged
unbiblical behavior". They added "We are praying for the leaders of the church family as they seek to determine the truth concerning these accusations. As the people of God, we pray for the pastor and his family as well." Speaking at First Baptist Church on November 1, Copeland said "Yes, I have taken pictures with my wife in the privacy of our home in an attempt at humor because I know I'm not a handsome man nor a beautiful woman, either." On November 3, another
1819 News article claimed that Copeland had written fiction containing violent fantasies. It also claimed that he republished photos of community members, including minors, An acquaintance of Copeland's said that he had posted her name and social media photos online; she also recognized the names of local women in Copeland's allegedly fictional stories, calling the writing "disturbing". The same day, deputy sheriffs were responding to a request for a
welfare check for Copeland when they spotted him driving. A slow pursuit ensued until Copeland pulled over in
Beulah, exited his vehicle, and shot himself with a
handgun. Political leaders from the area scheduled a prayer service for him on November 7 at the Phenix City Amphitheatre. A funeral was scheduled for November 9 at the First Baptist Church, with a burial set for November 10. Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones later said that the circumstances of Copeland's death were under investigation, though his social media posts were not. Copeland's suicide received national attention. Lee County Democratic Party Chairperson Jamie Lowe called Copeland "the backbone of Smiths Station" and condemned "the use of discriminatory and hateful rhetoric to target the personal lives of individuals."
Doug Jones, the former U.S. senator from Alabama, described the treatment Copeland received from
1819 News as "sad and disgusting." ==Electoral history==