Billie LeRoy Copeland

Reed Culver Funeral Home – Tahlequah

Tahlequah, OK – Billie Leroy Copeland, Age 80 of Tahlequah, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 7, 2013, with his wife, Virginia, by his side. Graveside Services have been scheduled for 9:00 AM, Thursday, September 12, 2013 at Boudinot Cemetery with Brother Wayne Jordan Officiating.

Bill was born March 2, 1933 in Tahlequah, OK. He was one of seventeen children blessing his parents, Lee and Dora Bell (Houston) Copeland. He was a life-long resident of the Combs Community and a member of Scraper Christian Church. He married Jessie Virginia Welch on April 12th, 1950, in Tahlequah, OK, where they began their 63 year journey together as husband and wife. Virginia and Bill were blessed with seven children of their own.

Bill worked hard to support his family as a farmer and rancher, as well as, working for Lake Region Electric Cooperative for 25 years as a lineman. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed spending time restoring old cars, collecting antique tools and implements, fishing any time he was able, and spending time at the sale barn and auctions.

Bill was a heart transplant patient of 17 ½ years, and the joy of his children and grandchildren kept him going. His real pride was his ever growing family of 12 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Bill was a truly amazing man, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, Leanne Copeland, four brothers, and three sisters.

Those left to cherish his memories and carry on his legacy include his wife Virginia of the home, two sons, Justin Copeland and wife Sharon, Tommy Copeland and wife Janice, four daughters, Donna Spears and husband Denver, Joy Keys and husband J.D., Gaylynn Nance, and Tammy Copeland all of Tahlequah, OK, four sisters Fanny Mae Thompson, and Tillie Welch of Wagoner, OK, and Maxine Tyer and Verlie Secratt of Tahlequah, OK, his 12 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter, and a host of other family, friends, and loved ones.