Robert Lee Copeland (also known as “Bobby Lee,” “Daddio,” and “Granddaddy”) went to his heavenly home on Saturday, July 29, 2023, in Riverview, Florida. He was a member of New Day Church.
He was born on January 30, 1937, in Augusta, Georgia. He played guitar since he was thirteen years old and lived an amazing life as a musician. Over the years, he played at the Grand Ole Opry and toured with several bands, including Billy Walker and Stonewall Jackson (two country music singers with numerous top-charting records). He also had the opportunity to fill in as a guitarist for Dolly Parton and David Houston for a couple shows on the road. Although he was not “famous,” he was known in the country music scene and crossed paths with many country music stars during his time touring and playing at the Opry and bars in Nashville.
He continued to play guitar and had gigs in the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina up until he moved to Riverview in February 2023. He used his God-given talent to make the world a better place, not only by spreading joy through playing music but also teaching many others how to play guitar. He taught both his grandsons, Timmy Nash (who he treated like a son), Brad Long, and most recently, a friend he met in the mall, Axel Jones. He never accepted any money for teaching. He also passed on his ears for music and talent for performing to his daughter. She has been a singer in bands over the years, sings at church, and performs in community theater. He was a great father and never missed any of her performances, traveling by bus and train to see them. His legacy will live on through her performances and the music played by those he taught.
Although he didn’t play any shows in Riverview, he never gave up his passion for music and continued to play guitar and jam with his grandson and others. He lived for music and the joy it brought others. When he wasn’t playing music, he was making you laugh. He had a heart of gold and never let his age dictate how he lived and acted. He always kept the child inside him alive. He was loved by everyone who had the privilege of spending any amount of time with him. He left everyone deeply heartbroken but grateful for the time, memories, and life lessons he gave them.
He is survived by his sister, Verma Staley; daughter, Mollie Anderson; son-in-law, Billy Anderson; two grandsons, Austin and Alex Roe; two granddaughters-in-law, Laura and Angel Roe; two step-grandsons, Trevor and Trent Anderson; and two great-grandchildren, Melody and Loren Roe.
Previously departed loved ones include his parents, Reverend Edgar N. Copeland and Bertha Mae Copeland; brothers, Albert (“Pete”) Copeland and Edward Copeland; and sisters, Louise Merkerison, Catherine Palmer, Inez Copeland, Margaret Widener, and Annie Mae Duvall.
A memorial service will be held on August 26, at 4 PM, at Plant City Entertainment, 101 N. Thomas St., Plant City, FL 33563. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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Memorial Service
26
Aug
101 N Thomas Street
Plant City, FL 33563
