Robert "Bob" Carl Copeland

Robert Carl Copeland Sr. was born in Wheatcroft, Kentucky, on September 5, 1944, to Mary Katherine Copeland and Horace Lee Copeland Sr. Robert attended Providence High School, where he graduated.

Robert was a member of St. Benedict's Catholic Church. He later converted to Baptist. He became a member of the Mount Olive Galilee M.B. Church. As a member of the church, he served on the Trustee Board. He was also a member of the Golden Age Men’s Breakfast Club. He was available for any capacity needed.

Robert “Bob” Copeland and Cynthia Copeland were united in holy matrimony on August 16, 1968. To this union, three sons were born, and a total of four children were nurtured as one family unit. This union matured and lasted a total of 49 years until Cynthia’s death. As an equal partner in his marriage, he found employment with Alcoa for 39 years until he retired. Robert was a tremendous athlete in his day. He led the Providence High School Bulldogs to the Kentucky State basketball tournament in 1964. He was a member of the All-State tournament team. Robert and his brother Sam were part of the historic desegregation of Kentucky Education in the 1950’s. Robert, Sam, and his mother, Mary, were featured in Ebony, Life, and Look magazines. This turbulent time shaped his life and made him into the man he became. He is most remembered for his passion for running. In his life span, he ran a total of 22 marathons nationwide, and he ran in a variety of 10k runs locally and dominated his age division over decades of competitions. He was a coach for his boys and an avid fisherman, cook, and sportsman, and loved to travel with his family in their pop-up camper in the summertime. He was one of the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team’s biggest fans. During his journey through life, he loved to handicap the horses. You would see him at Ellis Park during the year. Robert, for several years, sold his horse handicapping sheet to local vendors. As the patriarch of the family, he led by example. He was a man of very few words, but when he spoke, people listened. Family knew him as a man of faith, loyalty, a stern, loving individual who would help you when needed. Later in life, he found a loving companion, Elizabeth “Ann” Jones, who took care of  and loved him until he was called to heaven.

Robert is preceded by his parents; Horace Copeland Sr. and Mary Katherine Copeland, Stepfather; Nathan Hughes, stepmother; Christine Copeland, wife; Cynthia Copeland, father in law; Robert Gooch, granddaughter; Mya Copeland, brothers; Sam Copeland, Terry Hughes,  Larry Copeland, Jerry Copeland, James Copeland Sr., sisters; Sandy Copeland, Nellie Owen, Kim Mc Neal, sisters in law; Sherry Chavis, and his beloved fur baby Ray Ray

He leaves to cherish his fond memories to his devoted companion, Ann Jones, sons; Rodney Copeland (Tresa), Robert Copeland Jr.( Luisa), Jerry “Jake” Copeland( Davina), Michael Copeland, brother, Horace Copeland Jr., sisters; Mary Copeland, Beverly Lee, Shirley Baker (Harvey), Linda Hughes, daughters in law; LaToyia Copeland, Lynda Copeland, brothers in law; Mark Priestly( Ann), sisters in law; Elizabeth Edward(Rev. Floyd Edwards, LaKonda Priestly, Gail Priestly, Robbie Thomas( Eric), Debra Mellor( Dave), Debbie Jackson, 10 grandchildren, a host of great grandchildren and great great grand children, his fur baby, Lincoln, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends