Russell W. “Rusty” Copeland Jr., 71, of Story Street, Essex and husband of Doris “Duffy” Codding Copeland died Friday evening May 22, 2009 at home with his family at his side, after a long illness.

Born in Peabody, February 6, 1938, he was the son of the late Russell W. and Alice (Fellows) Copeland. He graduated from Beverly High with the class of 1956 and from Gordon College in 1960. He was a long time resident of Hamilton and Wenham before moving to Essex. He worked as a Sales Representative for many years and was a former Vice President at Johnny Appleseed of North Beverly. He was a member of the Beverly Rotary and the Hamilton-Wenham Rotary. He was very involved in many community activities in Beverly, Hamilton, Wenham and Essex. He was also a very active member of The First Presbyterian Church of Ipswich.

In addition to his loving wife of Forty-Six Years, he is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Steven R. Copeland and his wife Maureen of Rockland and Jonathan E. Copeland and his wife Susan of Beverly Farms, seven grandchildren, Steven, Alicia, Patrick and Mara Copeland of Rockland and Elizabeth Curran, Meaghan and Ryan Copeland of Beverly Farms. He is also survived by two sisters, Susan Copeland of Wenham and JoAnne Copeland of Whitefield Maine, and several nieces and nephews.   He was predeceased by a sister, Priscilla Call.

His funeral service will be held Thursday at 1:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church, 179 County Road, Ipswich. Family and friends are respectfully welcomed. Visiting hours are Wednesday from 5 to 8 PM at the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home, 6 High Street, Ipswich. Contributions in his name may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Missions-Deacons Fund, 179 County Road, Ipswich, MA 01938.