Fred D. Copeland of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Wednesday, December 4, 2019 with his loving family by his side. Fred was born June 13, 1934 in Gravelly, Arkansas to William M. Copeland and Syble (Kitchens) Copeland. He was 85 years old. Fred was a living testament to faith and strong beliefs. He was a devout Christian and lived by example. He served the Lord with his whole heart. Fred worked in many aspects of the church including serving as speaker, Sunday school teacher and song leader.
Fred proudly served his country in the United States Army as a radio operator. After the military he spent many years working in retail for a chain store as a buyer. However, when Fred finally decided to retire, he was Executive Director at the Waldron Housing Authority. He enjoyed working and making a difference in people’s lives. He worked side by side with the love of his life, Ann. Together they each had 14 plus years for the Housing Authority. When Fred wasn’t working he enjoyed reading and seeing after his extended family. Although Ann did what she could, there were a number of nieces and nephews that made sure Fred kept on his toes. Fred had a large extended family and a heart full of love just as big. Everyone knew the love he had for them and memories to treasure forever.
Fred leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 65 years, Lou Ann Copeland of the home, one sister, Peggy Buckles of Waldron, Arkansas and four sisters in law: Sue Hunt of Gravelly, Arkansas, Judy Wilson and husband Del of Florence, Alabama, Frankie Cramer and husband Art of Athens, Alabama and Linda Young of Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Fred will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted, including a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and dear friends he treasured.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, William and Syble Copeland, his siblings: Dalbert Copeland and wife Suzie, Ted Copeland, Dorthy Putman and husband Charlie, two brothers in law, Bob Hunt and Dr. Russell Young and one nephew Chester Brothers.
Fred’s life celebration will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2019 at the Nola Church of Christ in Nola, Arkansas with Michael Baker and Art Cramer officiating. Interment will follow in the Parks Cemetery at Nola, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Fred’s pallbearers will be Mike Hunt, Stan Rose, Stuart Rose, Steven Rose, Larry Putman, Ty Lynch and Austin Billner.
Fred’s visitation will be Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritge Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Parks Cemetery @ Nola, c/o Parks Cemetery, PO Box 46, Gravelly, AR 72838. You may leave words of remembrance for Fred’s family by visiting: www.heritagememorialfh.com.
