William Elton Copeland

William Elton Copeland departed this life and entered his heavenly home on May 24, 2018. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. He was a member of the Colbert County High School Class of 1952.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley Gargis Copeland; his son, Wally Copeland (Mary); daughter, Nancy Winkle (Steve); brothers-in-law, Douglas Gargis, Hollis Isbell, and Claude Uhlman; sister-in-law, Pauline Gargis; and grandchildren, Blake Copeland, Huston Woodis, Rachel Copeland, and Anna Grace Woodis, whom he loved so and very proud of each.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Zollie Copeland and Opal Copeland Gargis; step-father, Haywood Gargis; sisters-in-law, Mildred “Mittie” Isbell, Judy Skerston, and Mary Jo Uhlman; and brothers-in-law, Walter Gargis, Mack Gargis, Charles Gargis and Tillman Gargis.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 26, 2018 from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Colbert Memorial Chapel, Tuscumbia with the service to follow in the chapel at 2:00 p.m. Dr. Tom Whatley will officiate the service.

William retired from the Instrument Department at Reynolds Alloys on August 30, 1991 after 35 years. He also served in the United States Air Force. He was a very accomplished baseball pitcher at Colbert County High School and pitched for several semi-pro baseball teams in the area. His love was coaching youth baseball in the Muscle Shoals Park System. William grew up in Ford City and had many memories from his growing up years with friends and family.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Blake Copeland and Huston Woodis; nephews, Neal Isbell, Richard Isbell, Todd Isbell, and Shane Isbell; and honorary pallbearer, Thomas Pennington.

As a family, we offer our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jack McLendon and Dr. Bill Heaton for the excellent care provided to William over the last several years. Also, great thanks to the wonderful nurses at J.W. Sommer and PCU at Helen Keller Hospital.

In lieu of flowers please send memorials to Woodward Avenue Baptist Church in his memory.

Colbert Memorial Chapel is assisting the family. 

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