HIS Story…
Ricardo’s childhood began in the Oakwood area of Norfolk, Virginia. He
graduated from Granby High School in 1979. Rick joined the United States
Marine Corps in 1982 and later became a reservist. He further pursued his
education at Norfolk State University, where he earned a Bachelor of
Science degree in accounting. While in college at NSU, he pledged Iota Phi
Theta in spring 1984 and became a centaur. After graduating from Norfolk
State University in 1987, Rick decided to take on an adventure with
shipbuilding. He was accepted into Huntington Ingalls/Newport News
Shipbuilding Apprentice School. He graciously graduated from the
apprenticeship program with a diploma as a shipfitter's journeyman's
license. Ricardo was dedicated and proficient as a supply chain expert. His
34-year career extended as he started his career as a shipfitter X11, designer
E5, and then supply chain specialist. He additionally pursued a Master of
Science in Management at the Florida Institute of Technology as a graduate
in 2010.
In his free time, Ricardo enjoyed riding a motorcycle, hanging out with his
frat brothers, and traveling, each of which allowed him to express his
creativity. The Caribbean was his favorite vacation destination. On almost
every single day of his vacation, he could be found at the famous
restaurant. Ricardo loved to eat food, specifically hotdogs with chili cheese
and jalapeños, and do not forget he was an “AVID” San Francisco 49er
fan and a fantasy football commissioner.
He is predeceased by his wonderful wife, Dywanna Harris-Copeland, and
his father, Claude Arthur Copeland. He is survived by his mother, Phyllis
L. Copeland, three brothers: Fernando “Danny” Copeland, Tyron
Copeland, Terence Copeland (Veronique "Nikki"), and sister Sharon Artiss
(Trent), two children, Keenan Harris (Morgan), and daughter Kenya
Harris; a goddaughter, Angeline Copeland; four grandchildren, Khristian,
Kaiden, Kason, and Keyari; nieces Keyana Davis, Zoe Copeland, Paige
Copeland, and Sekani Eaton-Crumpton; nephews Julian Copeland, Charles
Copeland, Shamar Eaton, Devin Eaton, Talon Copeland; and a host of
extended family, uncles, aunts, and cousins; and life-long frat brother and
friend Terrence ‘Dink” Braxton.
