Born:

Mark Douglas Copeland, age 44, of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, died in a helicopter crash off the coast of Florida on Tuesday, September 11, 2007. He was a freelance videographer and was filming a speedboat when the accident occurred. At the time of his death he was doing the things he loved most: television photography, helicopters and boats.

Mark was born on January 13, 1963 in Athens, Tennessee.

He moved with his family to Oak Ridge when he was seven years old and attended Linden Elementary and then Robertsville Jr. High, where he played for the Robertsville Rams. While at the ORHS Mark played for the Wildcats and became interested in all aspects of television production. After school he worked at Tennessee Cablevision as a studio cameraman, and upon graduation in 1981 he started working for WATE-TV6 in Knoxville, eventually becoming Chief News Photographer. In 1987 Mark moved to Raleigh, NC to work for WRAL-TV. His assignments there included Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Mother Teresa's funeral in Calcutta, India, in 1997. He also was part of the coverage of John Glenn's shuttle flight, for which he won a regional Emmy Award. Since 1999 Mark has worked as a freelance videographer. Among his extensive client list were all the major television networks, ESPN, E!, Discovery, The Learning Channel, to name just a few.

Mark is survived by his parents: David and Johnnie Copeland of Clinton, TN, brother, David Copeland, Jr. of Clinton, TN; sister, Terry Lynn Copeland of Clinton, TN; sister and brother-in-law, Jean Copeland Wells and Barry Wells of Gallatin, TN; and nephew, Matthew Miller of Gallatin, TN. He also leaves loving uncles, aunts, cousins, and many close friends.

The family will receive friends Saturday September 15, 2007 from 11 am to 1pm with a memorial to follow at 1pm at the Martin Oak Ridge Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks any memorials be sent to: Oak Ridge High School Channel 15 TV Production, c/o Steve Cinnamon, 127 Providence Rd. Oak Ridge, TN 37830.