Billy Joe Copeland

Billy Joe Copeland departed this life on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Charter Assisted Living, in Jackson, Tennessee, at the age of 90.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Almarea “Hoover” Dale, his father Melvin “Pig” Copeland, one brother Donald Lee “Ras” Copeland, and his wife of 70 years, Betty Copeland.

He is survived by his daughter and son-law,Andrea and Jeff Simon, grandsons, Matthew (Laura) and Luke (Brenna) Simon, great grandchildren, Iris, Parker, and Theo Simon, two sisters, Jean Foster and Annabelle ”Lou” Robinson (Clay), a sister-inlaw Carol Copeland, and brother Quinton (Dorothy) Copeland.

Bill graduated from Greenway High school in 1952. While In high school, Bill was on one of the most decorated basketball teams in Arkansas, with the team being inducted into the Rector High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2022. Later in life, Bill became an avid pool player, card player, and fisherman.

As an adult, Bill was baptized on April 16, 2015, at Fifth & Pine Church of Christ by Ken Roden and was a faithful member following this decision.

A celebration of Bill’s life was held Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at Irby-Mitchell Funeral Home. The family received friends from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. with the service following. Burial was held at Woodland Heights Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to Children’s Homes, Inc., 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, AR.