Charles Copeland

Charles Robert Copeland, 75, of Abilene, passed away on December 9, 2023, peacefully surrounded by his family.

Charles was born in Stamford, Texas to Robert and Opal Copeland on July 31, 1948. He graduated high school from Abilene High where he was a proud member of the Eagle Football Team. He went on to play football for the University of Texas before finishing his bachelor's degree at Abilene Christian University. Charles spent 41 years coaching football where his motto was "making boys into men."

His time in football took him all over the state which included stints in Baird, Rosebud-Lott, Denver City, Crandall, Sweetwater, Abilene Cooper, Anson, Crowley, Brownwood, Denton Calvary and Summit Christian Academy. His coaching journey was full of great successes with many district championships and beyond. He was recognized by the Texas High School Coaches Association for his coaching talent and character on and off the field by receiving the Tom Landry Award in 2006. Even with all his coaching accomplishments, he always said his greatest moment in life happened July 7, 1992, when he became a Christian. After committing his life to Christ, he began preaching the gospel. He served as minister in several churches around Texas. In his retirement years he was actively involved in the Abilene Eagle Group.

Charles married Jeanette Bell on November 20, 1982, in Abilene, Texas. Jeanette spent the next 41 years as Charles's greatest cheerleader and supporter. Together, the couple raised 4 children. The couple also has 6 grandchildren who lovingly referred to Charles as Pops. His family was his greatest pride and joy.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Opal Copeland.

He is survived by his wife Jeanette Copeland, daughter Heather Klos and son-in-law Ron Klos, son Chris Copeland and daughter-in-law Lexi Copeland, daughter Jenna Copeland and son-in-law Shawn Williams, daughter Katy Copeland and son-in-law Jared Armstrong, grandchildren Lizzie Klos, Cameron Klos, Ayden Copeland, Annie Klos, Avery Armstrong, and Dean Armstrong, his brother Mike Copeland and sister-in-law Janet Copeland, his sister Carol Miller and brother-in-law Robert Miller, and many beloved nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, December 27, at "The Ridge" Ridgemont Baptist Church located at 4857 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, Texas.  Arranements are by The Hamil Family Funeral Home 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd, Abilene, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made in Charles's honor to the Abilene Teachers FCU Scholarship for Graduating Seniors. Donations may be made directly at any Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union or by mail at P.O. Box 5706 Abilene, Texas, 79606. Please direct all mail to the attention of Kathy Mayer.

The family of Charles Copeland wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Chris Hardagree, Dr. Evan Hardagree, Dr. Himabindu Valluru, Hendrick Dialysis Center, Hendrick Wound Care, Hendrick Rehabilitation Center, and the doctors and nurses at Hendrick Medical Center ER and CCU.