of Helena, AR

September 18, 1935 - August 20, 2021

Billy Ray Copeland, age 85, of Helena, Arkansas lost his battle to COVID-19 on Friday, August 20, 2021 at Helena Regional Medical Center. He was born September 18, 1935 in High Banks, Arkansas on the St. Francis River in Monette to the late Pearl Winn Copeland and William Henry Copeland. He is a retired farmer and proudly served on the Rifle Team in the United States Army, winning several national matches and awards.

Mr. Billy grew up in a musical family and had a life long love for music. He had many activities and hobbies in life such as music, boxing, trading on the stock market, reading books and studying astronomy, nutrition and other sciences. Most importantly, Billy had a great sense of humor and never met a stranger.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marie Copeland; his two sisters, Sandara Coy (Roger) and Brenda Jelks; three sons, Billy Joe Copeland (Renee), Bradly R. Copeland and William Henry Copeland (Stacy); three daughters, Sandy Ann Copeland, Donna J.C. Sunshine and Mary Lee Cox (Chris); along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Jane Ann Barnes Copeland; parents, Pearl and William Copeland; three brothers, William Elvis Copeland, Andy Copeland and Lonnie Copeland; two sisters, Dora Evans Hale and Betty Vincent; and many other old ''codgers'' at McDonald's.

A visitation for Mr. Billy Ray Copeland will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 26, 2021 at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Helena, Arkansas.

Services are directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)-572-2571.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
508 East Plaza Street
West Helena, AR  72390
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com