William (Bill) McLeod Copeland (age 90) gained perfect sight as he entered the presence of Jesus, his Lord and Savior, on Monday, June 29, 2026, in Fresno, California. His life is characterized by a deep devotion to Christ, his family, his church and the many people who called him a friend.
Bill was born to the late Henry McLeod and Alma Lorena Copeland on December 20, 1935, in Quinter, Kansas. Bill moved with his family to Fresno in 1937 and was a 1954 graduate of Roosevelt High School. As the youngest child in the family, Bill developed a unique talent for teasing those he loved but always with a twist of kindness.
In January 1956, Bill began working for Valley Floor Covering where he learned and developed extraordinary skill as a floor covering installer eventually opening Copeland’s Floor Covering in 1973. He was known in the community as a businessman of integrity working diligently until his retirement in 2005. His work ethic was rooted in his faith where he wanted to treat people well and always with excellence. Upon his retirement, he drove RVs for Freedom RV. He also developed a joy in bicycling which provided him with companionship and exercise. As his sight began to fail, he particularly enjoyed watching/listening to the Fresno State Bulldogs.
Bill was a life-long member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and elder. He was a man of steady, quiet, and consistent faith that spoke highly of the Christ he knew as his Savior and Lord. Bill and Willa raised their children to know Jesus and were highly involved in church life taking their children to church camps as the family vacation.
On May 6, 1955, Bill married the love of his life, Willa (nee McGee). Together, they raised four children encouraging the development of each one’s gifts. He and Willa enjoyed traveling and camping in their fifth wheel and particularly enjoyed a cross-country trip to Boston Massachusetts.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Jim Copeland, and sisters Rosalie Holland, Esther Jones, Lorena Keys, Lois Copeland, and Nadyne Copeland, three nephews, and three nieces.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Willa, and children, Gayle Copeland of Olathe, Kansas, Cheryl (Bus) Archer of Sanger, California, Mike (Teresa) Copeland of Madera, California, and Robert (Kathleen) Copeland of Taylorsville, California. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, Megan (Paul) Hemphill of Fresno, Scott (Britnie) Copeland, of Josephine, Texas, Ashley (Ryan) Burns of Fresno, Chelsie (Brett) Martinazzi of Madera, Sean Copeland of Dallas, Texas, Lacie (Andy) White of Fresno, Haylie (Drew) Gregory of Madera, Will Copeland of Olathe, Kansas, Chloe Copeland of Taylorsville, and Jonathan Copeland of Olathe, Kansas. He is also survived by 16 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Boice Funeral Home, 308 Pollasky Ave, Clovis, CA 93612, on July 15, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
The funeral service will be held at Boice Funeral Home on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 10:30 am followed by the committal at Clovis Cemetery, 305 North Villa Ave, Clovis, CA.
