Richard Thomas Copeland, age 48 passed away Saturday, February 21, 2026 at University of Arkansas Medical Center in Little Rock. He was born on May 10, 1977 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Donna and Harold Copeland. Richard was preceded in death by father, Harold Thomas Copeland as well as his grandparents, Bill and Butch Waldo (Bu and Papu).

He is survived by wife, Shanna Copeland; daughter, Savanna (Sis) Copeland; son, Jeremiah (Junior) Copeland; Scott and spouse Lexi Montgomery, Rayce and spouse Angel Montgomery; his mother, Donna Copeland; grandchildren, Remi, Ryder, Bradley, Ryleigh and Xander; siblings, Tara and spouse Andrew Eastwick, Jody and spouse Donna Kay Copeland; honorary brother, Wakas Mahbub; nieces, Carly Copeland spouse Aaron Ashlock and Maggie Eastwick; nephew, Christopher spouse Julianna Copeland; great nephew, Harold “Harry” Copeland; tons of close friends, aunts, uncles, lots of cousins and extended family.

Richard was a charter class member of Arkansas school for Math and Sciences and went to the national Science fair in 1995. He married the love of his life in July 2005. He worked on and off at Walmart for almost 20 years, they were his second family. Richard will be remembered as the life of every room he walked into- goofy in the best way, unapologetically himself, and truly one of a kind. He had a way of turning ordinary moments into laughter-filled memories, whether it was with one of his playful jokes, his contagious grin, or one of his famous stories. He was an avid golfer, loved to poorly sing ballads and dance wildly with no coordination, but was highly entertaining. He was a devoted Razorback fan and Dallas Cowboy fan. He often planned his Sundays around football, wearing his blue and silver proudly no matter the season. He almost always wore a Sports jersey and his hat turned backwards. His love for the game was only matched by his love for his family and friends. Richard's spirit, humor and unwavering loyalty will live on in the hearts of all that knew him and loved him.

A memorial service celebrating Richard’s life will be at The First Assembly of God Church in Barling, Arkansas at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Cremation Services of Arkansas (501)313-5431. Instead of flowers, the family has asked for monetary donations to help with funeral and medical costs. Donations can be sent to $Shannac72 on cash app or @rayce-montgomery on venmo.