Shirrel Eugene Copeland, 81, passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, in Mountain Home, Ark. Shirrel was born on April 18, 1942, in Rector, Ark., to Wilson and Imogene Moore Copeland.

He graduated from Greenway High School in 1959. After high school Shirrel enrolled in the United States Air Force at the age of 17. He married Shirley Minton on January 20, 1970, in Hazen, Ark. He started his career working for the General Telephone Company in 1963 climbing poles, and he retired as head of Special Services for Texas and California in 1991 from San Angelo, Tex. They then moved to Mountain Home in 2019.

Shirrel was best known for his outgoing personality, humor and vast knowledge of many subjects. He enjoyed spending time with his family, being the grill master for cookouts, hunting or fishing in the outdoors, piddling on various projects, working on rental properties, and watching Mountain Home Bomber and Lady Bomber basketball.

Shirrel is survived by his wife of 54 years, Shirley Copeland, of Mountain Home; son, Scott (Johnnie) Copeland; grandson, Colin Copeland, all of Mountain Home; sister, Phillis Brightwell of Winfield, Mo.,; sister, Pansy (Glen) Dimick of Cotter, Ark.; brother, Edward Copeland of Mountain Home; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Singleton and Nora Copeland, and Tom and Ellie Moore; parents, Wilson and Imogene Copeland; and a sister, Nora Ella Copeland.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 23, 2023, at Kirby and Family Funeral Home in Mountain Home with Brother Hershel Conley officiating. A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at Center Point Cemetery in Hazen,Ark. with Billy Booth officiating.

Memorial donations may be made in Shirrel’s name to the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas, 1042 Highland Circle, Mountain Home, AR 72653 or the Center Point Cemetery, 2826 Hwy. 249 N., Hazen, AR 72064.