He proudly served as an Airman in the U.S. Air Force and earned a National Defense Service medal for his honorable service.
A perfect day for Ray was spent playing his instruments, collecting rocks and coins, reading his bible and Western books and watching old movies. Being able to spend quality time with his friends and family brought him the most joy. He was a devoted man of God and a proud member of the Church of Christ. He was also a member of the OK Corral Barbershop Chorus for many years.
Ray married the love of his life, Bobbie Copeland, in 1953. They spent sixty-one beautiful years together before her passing in 2015. During their time together they were blessed with three amazing children, Sheri, Sandra, and Paul.
He is preceded in death by his parents Jedie and Eura Copeland, brother Doyle Copeland, sister Hazel Perkins and his wife Bobbie Copeland.
Ray’s memory will be carried on by his children, Sheri Darge and husband Danny Darge, Sandra Sorbara and husband Rob Sorbara, and Paul Copeland and his wife Deborah Copeland, three nieces, two nephews, nine grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren but he considered so many more to be family.
Visitation will be Friday, November 15, 2024 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m.
Ray will be honored with military honors at his service on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, followed with a Committal service at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
Memorial donations in Ray’s name can be made to In Search of the Lord’s Way Memorial and Honor form, https://www.searchtv.org/formmemorialhonor.html.
