William "Bill" Marr Copeland
July 29, 1931 ~ May 26, 2021
Loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, William "Bill" Marr Copeland, age 89, of Douglas, Georgia and formerly of Palestine, Texas, departed this world for his heavenly home on Wednesday, the 26th day of May 2021. Bill was born in Palestine, Texas on the 29th day of July 1931 to parents Albert Allen Copeland and Lockey Bell Marr Copeland.
Bill lived a long and fulfilling life. Bill was a veteran who served in the United States Air Force and received the National Defense Service Medal. He married the love of his life, Pasty Sikes, on the 6th day of March 1954 and the two were later blessed with two sons. Bill enrolled in the University of Texas and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1961. He worked for the Ford Motor Company and retired after a long career.
Bill was a noble man who had a passion for helping others. He was active in the Palestine Community and served wherever he saw a need. Bill joined the Southside Volunteer Fire Department in the early 1980's and devoted much of his time to aiding those in distress. He played a large role in the Kiwanis Club of Palestine and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church until his health declined and he moved to live closer to his son in Georgia.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Lockey Copeland and brothers, Edward Copeland, Harold Copeland, John Copeland, and James Copeland.
Bill's legacy will live on in the lives of his loving wife, Patsy Sue Copeland; sons, Jack Copeland and wife Barbarah of Wisconsin, and Todd Copeland and wife Kim of Georgia; sister, Eleanor Bacon; brothers, Gene Copeland, and George Copeland; grandchildren, Chris Copeland, Brian Copeland, Josh Copeland and Misty Jimenez. Bill also leaves behind four great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and many friends.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from three o'clock until five o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 6th day of June 2021 at Rhone Funeral Home.
Graveside services to celebrate Bill Copeland's life are to be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning on Monday, the 7th day of June 2021 at Roselawn Park in Palestine, Texas.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Bill Copeland's memory can be directed towards the Kiwanis Club of Palestine, 106 Cypress Drive, Palestine, Texas 75801.
Funeral services for William "Bill" Marr Copeland are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Bill served Anderson County as chores of the Southside VFD for many years. As a deputy with the sheriff’s dept I made many scene with him and considered him a friend. May he rest in peace and his family find comfort
I have many nice memories of Bill and his dedication to activities and attendance at First United Methodist. He and Patsy were “on spot” in building programs and for many years supervised condolence meals. He was so good with the young children in greeting and making them feel important. He has been missed since their move to Georgia. My condolence to Patsy and his families.
Brian, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
My condolences to all of the family members for their loss. He was a very kind and caring man. I did some volunteer work with him and then he did some teaching at Elkhart off and on. You will all be in my prayers and God Bless.
Kenneth and I have many fond memories of Bill. Wonderful visits with he and Pat in the fellowship hall at First United Methodist Church. Both Pat and he were wonderful people and how fortunate for you to have him for so many years. We at church miss both of them. Kenneth was a high school classmate and he sadly passed away in July of last year but my sympathy and prayers go out to the family. Berniece Calloway
Bill was a wonderful man, he always had great ideas and was never shy to voice his opinion on things. I value knowing him and his family. I have fond memories of him, he was firm but fair in all he said and did. I will miss our conversations. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to Pat. May Christ bring you comfort and peace in this time of great loss and sorrow
I originally met Mr. Copeland through my brother Barry Mace. Mr. Copeland did substitute teaching at Elkhart ISD and as an employee there also, I always enjoyed visiting and talking with him. He had a great sense of humor and was such a gentleman. ÂÂ
Prayers for the family of Mr. Copeland.
A wonderful Christian man who was always ready to help. His presence in Palestine has been missed.
So sad to learn of Bill passing we enjoyed being neighbors to he and Pat while living in Palestine…Billy Sr. & Karen Lawson,Bullard TX