Mr. Copeland was born December 9, 1914, in Crawford County, Arkansas, to William Smith and Nora Jane (Ramsey) Copeland.  He grew up and attended school in Arkansas. On October 9, 1937, he married Nellie Atkerson in Sallisaw. He worked as a custodian at the University of Arizona, retiring to Locust Grove in 1979.

He loved his pets very much. He enjoyed gardening, listening to gospel music, and watching religious programs. He liked to tell "tall tales" and jokes to his grandkids. He had a special way with children, and he was especially fond of his grandkids and great-grandkids. He enjoyed spending time with all of his family. He was of the Free Will Baptist faith.  He passed from this life on Thursday, March 7, 2002, in Pryor, at the age of 87 years, two months, and 26 days.

He is survived by his wife Nellie Copeland of the home; five sons, Alfred and wife Dorothy Copeland of Phoenix, AZ, Joe Copeland of Locust Grove, Jerry and wife Darlene Copeland of California, Terry and wife Linda Copeland of Arkansas, Bobby and wife Jennifer Copeland of Phoenix; two daughters, Nancy Tate of Locust Grove and Louise Harrison of Pryor; 24 grandchildren, and 37 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by both parents; his daughter Mary Cooper on March 5, 2002; brothers Emery, Alvie, Walter, and Arlie Copeland; sisters Ethel Newberry and Mabel Neighbors; grandson Kenneth Copeland; sons-in-law Floyd Lawson and Roy Harrison; and daughter-in-law Maxine Copeland.

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