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.
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19 Condolence(s)
William Copeland Jr
Thursday, September 2, 2021
Billy R Copeland was my papaw. I have known him since I was born. He really truly was a hero to me and many others. He was so great while he was living and he really did deserve the life that god gave him. Rest in peace papaw, I will always love and remember you.
Becca
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
Marie and family, I am so sorry to hear about Billy's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pat Holland
Sunday, August 29, 2021
Marie I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you and your family.
Brandi Williams
Saturday, August 28, 2021
Sorry sorry for your loss!! Bill was always very good to me and my family! He will be greatly missed! Prayers for you and your family!
Joyceann Martin
Thursday, August 26, 2021
Cousin Billy I didn’t have the pleasure of getting to know you that much ‘ But I really loved your stories about the Copeland Family’ God brought this Family back together because of your Love and Understanding and Your Stories about Our Family’ ‘ We Will Have A Big Copeland Reunion When We All Get Together In Heaven ‘ Please Tell Grandmother Annie Copeland and the Rest Of The Family Hello ‘ You Are A Blessing To Everyone ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™
Patty Hall
Thursday, August 26, 2021
Donna (My bestie) Billy Mary Brad Will and Mrs Marie, my deepest condolences go out to all of you! I was his "crazy girl" and he was my second Daddy I'll miss his Facebook post but most of all I'll miss him, the.person he was...he taught me a lot ....he had that chance because as a teen...I.pretty much lived there He took us all to our first concert, let me tell you, that wasn't an easy task with our crew but he made it look easy. We had fun!! We always had fun with him...sweet.dreams Mr Billy R
I'll always love you 😘
Patty Winn Kowalczyk
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
I feel blessed to be Bill’s cousin and have loved him since we were children. My prayers for his family. God gets a new friend.
Patty Winn Kowalczyk
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
I feel blessed to be Bill’s cousin and have loved him since we were children. My prayers for his family. God gets a new friend.
Drake Pipkin
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Very saddened by the sudden loss of my grandfather. Was always a major influence on military career and always showed the biggest support.
Fair winds and Blue Skies.
Dawn Reynolds
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
I'm so grateful to have met him. Even late in our lives. His dad and my mom were brother and sister...I learned alot from him in a short time...he was a wonderful and special person to everyone.
Karen Hardesty
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Shawn and I want to express our deepest prayers and gratitude for Mr Billy. He took a chance with us back in 1999 allowing us to farm his land. We are forever grateful. Know that if Marie or any of you all needs anything please don’t hesitate to ask.
Stephen Winn
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Billy, I will always treasure the time we spent together. You ,and Dad, being first cousin's and growing up together, made you more than cousins, but best friends. I admired your intelligence , and your love for all that you considered family. I feel a little lost and bewildered by your passing. The rest of us will continue on, and look forward to our reunion with you someday. I have no wise words or philosophical thoughts, just a massive sense of loss of a great friend. God Speed Billy, your family weeps today, but thankful for you having been in our lives. RIP my dear Billy.
Ricky Tinsley and family
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Sincere condolences and prayers for the family and friends
Tim & Donna Ward Johnson
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Donna. Billy Joe, Bradley, Mary Lee and Family, I am sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Know you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. May you find comfort in the many memories you have.
Sylvester Smith
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Love and prayers for family from Smith family known family since 1975 worked for Copeland farms good man treated employees with respect
Herbert Evans
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
I am so very sorry to see and hear of Billy's passing. I got to know Billy and Marie on my weekend visits to my parents house when they became neighbors. He became a good friend during those visits and I will be forever grateful for his kindness and thoughtfulness looking out for my Mom when my Dad passed away. He was a very good neighbor to them and he and Dad became great friends. He was a kind, thoughtful person who always had a smile on his face and kindness to everyone he met. My sincere condolences to Marie and all family and friends. My prayer is for God's peace and comfort now and remember all the good memories and times we all had together until we are reunited.
randy fitts
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Sorry to hear about Bill. If anything I can do Marie let me know.
DALE AND PAM BROWN
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Mrs. Marie and Family, we were so so sadden to hear of Mr. Billy Ray's passing. We always looked forward to seeing the both of you at the ball park, or anywhere for that matter. He never ever met a stranger and made you feel like he had known you for years. Mrs. Marie, you and your family are very dear to our family in so many ways from being a life long friend of the Brown's to your wonderful family helping me take care of my Grandson and always looking after us. We love you all and you are blessed with a wonderful family and friends that will always be there for you. I know Mr. Billy Ray has made a ton of friends and putting smiles on their faces in Heaven. God Bless You All.
Tammie King
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Donna and family,
I am sadden to hear of the news of Billy's passing. I have a lot of fond memories of him. He was such a fun loving person and loved his music. I am thinking of you all during this time.
Love, Tammie