William "Bill" Marr Copeland

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.  

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