Earnest Powell Copeland

Earnest Copeland (Ernie) was born in Buffalo, TX  April 24, 1947 to John Copeland, Sr. and his wife Bettie (Vann) Copeland.  He passed away peacefully at his home on March 26, 2024. He was raised in Buffalo, TX, graduating high school in 1965. On January 12, 1974 he married Phyllis Copeland. Soon after they moved to Scurry, TX where they began raising their loving family. 

Earnest served in the United States Air Force for 3 ½ years, most of which were on the Aleutian Islands. He worked 32 years as a Dallas Fireman and retired as Lieutenant in October 2002. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in April 1997. 

Earnest enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He competed in numerous Bass Tournaments and went on many elk hunting trips in New Mexico & Colorado. He also enjoyed taxidermy, drawing, painting and coming up with projects around the house to keep him busy.  Above all he enjoyed spending time with his wife, kids and grandkids. 

Earnest was preceded in death by his parents;  five brothers, Joe Lee Copeland,  Don Copeland, John Copeland, Charles Copeland, Barton Copeland and two sisters, Faye Watson and Sue Waters.  

Surviving Earnest are his wife, Phyllis Copeland, daughter Carey Hill and husband Jamey of Scurry, son John Copeland and wife Sheryl of Scurry;  Seven grandchildren Gunner Hill, Garrett Hill, Grayson Hill, Addie Copeland, Eli Copeland, Josiah Copeland & Lily Copeland.

Pallbearers are John Copeland, Eli Copeland, Josiah Copeland, Jamey Hill, Gunner Hill, Garrett Hill, Grayson Hill