Jimmy Copeland

Jimmy Ray Copeland, age 69, a lifelong resident of Pike County, Alabama, passed away Monday, July 26, 2021. A funeral service will be held Thursday, July 29, 2021, at 2 p.m in the chapel of Green Hills Funeral Home with Reverend Earl Barron officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hills Memorial Cemetery with Max Copeland, Marx Copeland, Cam Copeland, Jay Copeland, Chris Campbell, and BJ Osborn serving as pallbearers. Visitations will be Wednesday, July 28, 2021, from 4 – 6 p.m. at Green Hills Funeral Home and Thursday, July 29, one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Jimmy was distinct, you could pinpoint him just about anywhere, easily identified with his signature glide through a crowd, one stride a little longer than the other; or afar by his cool and casual one-hand-in-pocket and the other with a warm cup of coffee stance; and mostly by his smooth, Pike County Southern dialect and persuasion. Hailing from the rural Ebenezer Community of Northeast Pike County and growing up with a great appreciation for his community’s offerings, Jimmy’s raising made him relatable with other townfolk which proved to be valuable when it came to his business. He long worked as an independent insurance agent, securing sound futures for a many friends and family, and, also, as the director of special projects with Troy Cable, specializing as a public relations liaison on a variety of projects. Jimmy served proudly as a Major with the United States Army National Guard, dedicating more than 20 years to service, and fulfilling his call to active duty to operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He was elected to the Pike County Commission and honorably represented his position as District 2 commissioner. Jimmy relished downtime by the Conecuh River, excursions on the tractor at the family land, being a supportive “Grandy” to his grandchildren, and a persistent encourager to his sons. He was a great representation of Southern gentleman, genuine sport, and fine family man─all traits of him, that from us, can certainly draw an agreeable nod.

Mr. Copeland is survived by his wife of 48 years, Martha F. Copeland; sons, Todd Copeland (Michelle) and Chad Copeland (Donna); grandchildren, Ryan and Addison Copeland, and Max, Marx, Kaylee and Rylee Copeland; brother, Buck Copeland (Karen); and nieces and nephews, Chris Campbell (Lee), Cam Copeland (Jerrica), Jay Copeland, Beth Copeland Osborn (BJ), and Beth Oliver (Bryan). He was preceded in death by his parents, James Leo and Annette Hickman Copeland; and grandparents, JB and Johnnie Bertha Hickman, and James and Clemis Copeland.

The family wishes to extend great appreciation to the staff of Encompass Hospice for their dedication and compassionate service, and many thanks to caregivers, Jean Cargile, Kelia Strickens, Debra Tolbert, and Cynthia Brockton for their attentive and exceptional care. Flowers will be accepted or charitable memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (322 Eighth Avenue 16th Floor, New York, New York 10001) or to the American Stroke Association (PO Box 840692, Dallas, Texas 75284-0692). Friends and family can sign the guestbook online at www.greenhillsfuneralhome.net. The staff of Green Hills Funeral Home is honored to serve the Copeland family.